Compiled by Camilo Illanes ‘22

February 24
Putin authorizes “special military operations,” launching an invasion on Ukraine. Russian forces begin missile and ground attacks, striking major Ukrainian cities including the capitol Kyiv. The United States responds with sanctions on Russian banks that cause the Moscow stock exchange to plummet 45 percent.

February 28
The Ukrainian forces surprisingly have a fierce defense of their country and most of Russia’s ground attacks stall. Russian artillery bombards residential districts, killing at least 11 people, according to Ukrainian officials. Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky says the Russian plan is to terrorize the country’s civilian population.

March 1
In response to Ukraine’s unexpected strong defense of their country, Russia amasses a 65km long convoy on the outskirts of Kyiv. Russian forces bomb a supposedly safe corridor, preventing humanitarian supplies from reaching the city of Mariupol. The United Nations (UN) states that 2 million refugees have fled from Ukraine so far.

March 16
Zelensky makes emotional pitch directly to a joint session of Congress to establish a no-fly zone in which U.S. planes would patrol the skies to prevent Russian jets from targeting Ukraine military personnel and bombing citizens. The Biden administration declines to answer that request, stating it could lead to war with Russia.

March 21
The total number of refugees that have fled Ukraine reaches 10 million. The UN has found evidence that Russia has committed a war crime by using cluster bombs to kill Ukraine citizens. Biden declares Putin’s “back is against the wall” from the war crimes he is committing. Ukraine rejects a Russian ultimatum to surrender in Mariupol.

March 23
Almost one month after the initial invasion, Biden said Putin’s claims that Ukraine has chemical and biological weapons are a “clear sign he is considering using both of those.” The UN also confirms that Russia has used hypersonic missiles at least once. The U.S. government formally declares that Russia has committed war crimes in Ukraine.