Some key moments since conflict began
2022
Feb 24: Russia launches its special military operation in Ukraine.
March 13: Around $300 billion out of $640 billion that Russia had in its gold and forex reserves is frozen by the US and its allies.
Early April: The world is shocked after media reports state that at least 400 people, including children, were found dead in Bucha, a town outside Kyiv.
May 18: Finland, Sweden submit official applications to join NATO.
May 20: Russian forces take control of key Azov port city Mariupol.
July 22: Russia, Ukraine separately sign a deal with Turkiye and the United Nations on grain exports.
Sept 26: Nord Stream pipeline explosions occur off the Baltic island of Bornholm.
Oct 8: A truck laden with explosives blows up on the bridge linking Crimea to Russia’s mainland.
2023
Feb 20: US President Joe Biden makes a surprise visit to Kyiv.
Feb 24: China releases a 12-point position paper outlining its stance on the crisis, urging the two sides to enter into peace negotiations.
April 4: Finland becomes the 31st member of the NATO.
May 16-17: Li Hui, China’s special representative on Eurasian affairs, visits Ukraine.
June 16-17: Leaders from seven African nations visit Ukraine and Russia on a peace mission.
July 7: The US announces it had approved the transfer of cluster munitions to Ukraine.
2024
Feb 7: Sweden ends its investigation into the sabotage of Nord Stream pipelines, but fails to pinpoint any culprits.
Feb 8: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appoints Oleksandr Syrsky as commander in chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, replacing Valery Zaluzhny.
Feb 17: Russia takes full control of Avdiivka town near Donetsk — the biggest win for Russian forces since they seized Bakhmut in May 2023.