Russian War In Ukraine

Ukraine President Signs Constitutional Amendment On NATO, EU Membership

The Ukrainian Orthodox Church gains formal independence from the Russian Orthodox Church, a move that is predicted to heighten geopolitical tensions in the region.

The foreign ministers of the G7 countries issue a statement expressing their concern over Russia's actions against Ukraine in the Kerch Strait.

Foreign Office Minister Alistair Burt responds to an urgent question on Russian action in the Sea of Azov and the subsequent declaration of martial law in parts of Ukraine, stating that Russia’s actions do not conform with international law.

The UK Government joins calls for Russia to stop delaying or preventing access for ships to the Sea of Azov, following a discussion at the EU Foreign Affairs Council.

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There has been an increase in Russia’s military presence in the sea, along with restrictions on freedom of passage.

Alexander Zakharchenko, the leader of a Kremlin-backed separatist republic in eastern Ukraine, is killed in a blast near his official residence in Donetsk.

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He had been the prime minister of the Donetsk People’s Republic (DNR) since November 2014.

Crimean Bridge

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President Putin opens a 12-mile bridge between the Russian mainland and Crimea, tightening Russia’s hold over the annexed peninsula.

The US, under President Trump’s administration, approves the largest commercial sale of lethal arms to Ukraine since 2014, moving beyond the non-lethal military assistance of the Obama administration.

Ukraine's association agreement with the European Union enters into force.

The Defence Secretary announces the UK has directly trained over 5,000 members of Ukraine’s Armed Forces, exceeding the initial target by 1,000.

Ukraine's association agreement with the EU is ratified by all signatories, promoting deeper political ties, stronger economic links, and respect for common values between the two.

The Ukrainian Parliament votes to restore NATO membership as the country's strategic foreign policy objective.

The parliament amends laws on national security and internal and foreign policies to legally bind Ukraine's commitment to achieve NATO membership.

At the NATO Summit in Warsaw, the heads of state and government of the NATO-Ukraine Commission endorse the Comprehensive Assistance Package (CAP) for Ukraine, enhancing NATO’s assistance for Ukraine.

The Prime Minister meets with Ukrainian President Poroshenko at the NATO Summit in Warsaw and reaffirms the UK's commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty.

On the second anniversary of Russia’s annexation of Crimea, the Foreign Secretary calls for Russia to return Crimea to Ukraine and condemns Russia’s continued breach of international law.

The Defence secretary issues a written statement updating the House of Commons on the UK’s support to training Ukrainian personnel through Operation Orbital.

Marking a year after President Putin signed the decree confirming the illegal annexation of Crimea, the Foreign Secretary condemns the breach of Ukrainian and international law and says Russia must return Crimea to Ukraine.

The Prime Minister holds a video conference call with other world leaders to discuss how Europe and the US should work together to enforce the Minsk agreements.

Prime Minister David Cameron announces the UK will provide £15 million in emergency assistance to provide food, blankets, emergency shelter, and basic medical supplies to vulnerable and displaced Ukrainians.

UK Secretary of Defence Michael Fallon responds to an urgent question on the deployment of UK personnel to train Ukrainian forces.

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As part of wider UK Government efforts to support Ukraine, the Defence Secretary announces the provision of medical, logistics, infantry, and intelligence capacity-building training from mid-March. (Operation Orbital)

Lengthy peace negotiations (referred to as the Normandy Format) take place, involving Russian President Vladimir Putin, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, French President Francois Hollande, and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, a new ceasefire deal for eastern Ukraine is signed in the Belarusian capital Minsk: the second Minsk Agreement.

UK Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond makes a statement in the House of Commons on the situation in Ukraine, welcoming efforts for a peaceful resolution in the east, outlining the package of economic sanctions by the EU and the US against Russia, and detailing other measures taken by the West.

In an extraordinary meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Commission, NATO strongly condemns the escalation of violence in eastern Ukraine and urges all parties to continue efforts to achieve a peaceful solution, in full conformity with the Minsk Agreement.

A series of rocket attacks leave 30 people dead and many more injured in the city of Mariupol in eastern Ukraine. Ukraine blames pro-Russia rebels, but the separatists claim Ukrainian forces are behind the attacks.

NATO commander Gen. Philip Breedlove warns that Russian military equipment and Russian combat troops have been seen entering Ukraine over several days, including "Russian tanks, Russian artillery, Russian air defence systems and Russian combat troops."

Dutch efforts to salvage wreckage from the Malaysia Airlines MH17 crash site stall as no deal is reached with local rebel groups.

Following the vote, President Poroshenko holds a meeting with his security chiefs and accuses the rebels of jeopardizing “the entire peace process”.

Pro-Russia separatists hold elections in the two self-proclaimed people's republics in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions in eastern Ukraine. The elections are denounced as “illegitimate” by the West.

In a deal brokered by the EU, Russia agrees to resume gas supplies to Ukraine over the winter. Russia had cut off Ukraine’s gas in June as the conflict in eastern Ukraine escalated.

Pro-Western parties win parliamentary elections in Ukraine.

New York-based Human Rights Watch suggests both government forces and pro-Russia separatists have used cluster munitions in eastern Ukraine.

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Most countries banned cluster munitions under a convention that became international law in 2010, but Ukraine did not sign up to it.

The UK Government announces a package of non-lethal equipment to be gifted to Ukraine, in response to a direct request from the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

President Vladimir Putin orders thousands of Russian troops stationed near the Ukrainian border to return to their bases. Russian media reports 17,600 soldiers on training exercises in the Rostov region would be pulled back.

NATO reports a “significant” withdrawal of Russian troops from eastern Ukraine, although some forces still remain.

Ukraine’s government and pro-Russia rebels in the east sign a truce in Minsk (referred to as the first Minsk Agreement) to end almost five months of fighting. The ceasefire deal collapses within days of signing.

Ukraine says 700 of its men have been taken prisoner as pro-Russia rebels advance in the east.

Ukraine releases videos of captured Russian troops. Russia claims the troops crossed the border “by accident”, but Ukrainian military spokesman Andriy Lysenko says it was a special mission.

A Russian convoy of 260 lorries delivers humanitarian aid to eastern Ukraine, raising suspicion in the international community.

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French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius expresses concerns about Russian intentions: "[the convoy] could be a cover for the Russians to install themselves near Luhansk and Donetsk and present us with a fait accompli"

The G7 leaders issue a joint statement on the ongoing situation in Ukraine, condemning Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea.

UK Prime Minister David Cameron says President Putin must use his influence to end the conflict in Ukraine by halting supplies and training for the separatists. He also calls for improved relationships between Ukraine, Russia, the EU, NATO, and the West.

Malaysia Airlines flight MH17, en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur, is shot down over eastern Ukraine with the loss of 298 lives. The Dutch Safety Board later finds the plane was hit by a Russian-made Buk missile.

Separatist rebels abandon the cities of Sloviansk and Kramatorsk and some smaller towns in the north of Donetsk region, to concentrate on the battle for Donetsk city.

The EU signs a landmark partnership agreement with Ukraine along with Georgia and Moldova.

President Poroshenko describes it as a “symbol of faith and unbreakable will” and sees it as the start of preparations for Ukraine joining the EU.

US Secretary of State John Kerry adresses Putin to publically call separatists in Ukraine to lay down their arms, warns Russia of sanctions.

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The Russian parliament’s upper house agrees President Putin’s request, voting 153-1 in favour of revoking authorisation for military intervention in Ukraine.

President Putin asks the upper house of the Russian parliament to revoke its March ruling that permits Russia to use troops on Ukrainian territory.

Pro-Russia separatists shoot down a military transport plane in eastern Ukraine, killing all 49 Ukrainian service personnel on board.

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Ukraine's defence ministry says “terrorists” have “cynically and treacherously” fired on the aircraft.

Pro-European businessman Petro Poroshenko is elected president of Ukraine.

Pro-Russia separatists in Donetsk and Luhansk announce landslide victories in the independence referendums. The head of the de facto electoral commission says 89% of voters in Donetsk and 96% in Luhansk voted for self-rule.

“Self-rule” independence referendums are held in Ukraine’s easternmost areas, Donetsk and Luhansk. Ukraine calls the vote a “criminal farce” and Western countries also condemn the vote.

In response to the violence in Odessa, UK Foreign Secretary William Hague calls on all parties to work to restore calm and law and order across Ukraine.

More than 30 people are killed in violent clashes in the Black Sea city of Odessa, as pro-Ukrainian activists storm a building occupied by protesters in favour of closer ties with Russia.

Ukraine’s acting president calls for the resumption of military operations against pro-Russian separatists in the east of the country, claiming two of his party's supporters had been “tortured to death”, in a further blow to an unravelling international peace plan.

UK Foreign Secretary William Hague welcomes yesterday's agreement on the next steps in Ukraine and urges quick progress be made.

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He also announces a further £1 million to support the OSCE monitoring mission.

At talks in Geneva, Russia, Ukraine, the US and the EU say they have agreed steps to “de-escalate” the crisis in eastern Ukraine.

Three people are killed when Ukrainian security forces fend off a raid on a base in Mariupol, the first violent deaths in the east.

Ukraine's acting president, Olexander Turchynov, announces the start of an “anti-terrorist operation” against pro-Russian separatists. It quickly stalls.

Pro-Russian protesters seize regional government buildings in the Ukrainian cities of Donetsk, Luhansk and Kharkiv, calling for a referendum on independence by 11 May.

US President Barack Obama urges Russia to “move back its troops” on Ukraine's border and lower tensions.

Russia is believed to have amassed a force of several thousand troops close to Ukraine's eastern border.

The UN General Assembly votes 100–11 against recognising the Crimea referendum result, with 58 countries abstaining. 

Following the vote, UK Foreign Secretary William Hague says: "The result reinforces the fundamental principles upon which the UN was founded: principles of territorial integrity

and of the non-use of force. President Putin should take notice of this clear and resounding message and work together with all parties to de-escalate the situation."

Russia is expelled from the Group of Eight (G8).

President Putin signs the law formalising Russia's takeover of Crimea from Ukraine, despite fresh sanctions from the EU and the US.

President Vladimir Putin and the leaders of Crimea sign a bill to absorb the peninsula into Russia.

The EU and US impose travel bans and asset freezes on several officials from Russia and Ukraine over the Crimea referendum.

The UK Government refuses to recognise the Crimea referendum or its outcome as being legal or legitimate, and “condemns in the strongest terms Russia’s flagrant disregard of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity”.

Crimea’s secession referendum on joining Russia is backed by over 95% of voters, officials say.

US President Barack Obama welcomes Ukraine's interim prime minister to the White House and pledges to “stand with Ukraine” in its dispute with Russia.

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G7 leaders issue a statement calling on Russia to cease all efforts to change the status of Crimea.

The UK Prime Minister David Cameron calls President Putin to discuss the situation in Ukraine and urges him to de-escalate the situation.

Warning shots are fired as a team of international military observers is turned away from entering Crimea. The Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) reports no injuries.

EU leaders hold an emergency summit to address the Ukraine crisis. Crimea’s pro-Russia regional government votes to join Russia and announces it will hold a referendum on 16 March to determine whether the region should officially join Russia.

Russia rebuffs calls to withdraw troops from Crimea, saying “self-defence” forces are not under its command.

President Putin announces an end to military exercises in western Russia and orders the troops back to base. He rules out a Russian war with Ukraine, but reserves the right to use force “as a last resort”.

Western leaders issue a joint statement condemning Russia’s “clear violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine” and committing to supporting Ukraine in its efforts to restore unity, stability and political and economic health.

Russia’s parliament approves President Putin’s request to use Russian forces in Ukraine, citing the "in connection with the extraordinary situation in Ukraine and the

threat to the lives of Russian citizens”.

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UK Foreign Secretary William Hague speaks to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to urge steps to calm the situation and summons the Russian Ambassador to register the UK Government’s deep concerns.

Armed men take control of two airports in Crimea, leading to accusations of a "military invasion and occupation" by Russia. 

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Ousted President Viktor Yanukovych appears in Rostov-on-Don, Russia, denouncing a "bandit coup" in Kyiv and asserting his legitimacy as Ukraine's president.

Pro-Russia gunmen seize government buildings in Crimea and raise the Russian flag. 

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Ukraine’s interim government warns Russia against "military aggression" and cautions Russian forces in Crimea.

Ukraine’s acting president announces his cabinet, including key figures from the protest movement, and sets presidential elections for 25 May. Russia puts its military on high alert and conducts major military exercises amid growing concerns about unrest in Ukraine’s Crimean peninsula.

Ukraine issues an arrest warrant for President Yanukovych on charges of "mass murder" of protesters. Russian Prime

Minister Dmitry Medvedev accuses Ukraine’s interim leaders of taking power through “armed mutiny”.

Russia recalls its ambassador to Ukraine over what it describes as the deteriorating situation in the country. Ukraine's newly appointed interim president, Olexander Turchynov, says the country will focus on closer integration with the EU.

Ukraine’s parliament votes to impeach President Yanukovich, who flees his Kyiv office, denouncing what he says is a coup. Yulia Tymoshenko is released from custody and urges the opposition to continue their protests.

President Yanukovych and opposition leaders sign an EU-mediated peace pact that includes plans for presidential elections before the end of the year.

Dozens are killed in fresh clashes in Kyiv.

The foreign ministers of Germany, France, and Poland meet with President Yanukovych, hoping to agree on a roadmap with the Ukrainian government and opposition.

The West threatens sanctions after the death toll rises to 26. President Yanukovych denounces the bloodshed as an attempted coup.

At least 22 people are killed and more than 200 seriously injured as protesters clash with riot police in the worst violence since demonstrations began.

Euromaidan protest. Excerpts from the live video broadcast of Radio Liberty.

Euromaidan protest. A video from an unconfirmed eyewitness.

Euromaidan protest. A video from an unconfirmed eyewitness.

Russia accuses the European Union of seeking to create a “sphere of influence” on its borders by pressing Ukraine to choose closer ties with the bloc at the expense of relations with Moscow. 

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All 234 protesters arrested since December 2021 are released, although tensions remain.

The United States suggests Russia is responsible for leaking a recording of US diplomats discussing how to shape a new government in Kyiv. Russia accuses the United States of trying to foment a coup in Ukraine.

President Yanukovych returns to work after four days’ sick leave. An estimated 30,000 protesters gather in Kyiv, renewing calls for the president to step down.

Still on sick leave, President Yanukovych signs into law a conditional amnesty for those detained in the unrest.

President Yanukovych announces that he will take sick leave due to an acute respiratory illness and high fever. In a written statement, the UK’s Minister for Europe urges the government and opposition in Ukraine to find a compromise acceptable to all sides.

Ukraine’s Prime Minister Mykola Azarov resigns. The Ukrainian parliament votes to annul the anti-protest legislation.

Ukraine’s justice minister threatens to declare a state of emergency after four government buildings, including the city hall in central Kyiv, are taken by protesters.

President Yanukovych offers key government posts to opposition leaders and suggests making a number of legislative and constitutional amendments during a special emergency session of parliament.

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The opposition reacts cautiously, rejecting these initial proposals but indicating they are open to further negotiations, including early elections.

Two protesters are killed in clashes with police; the first fatalities since anti-government protests began in November 2013. A three-hour meeting between President Yanukovych and the three main political opposition leaders ends without a deal.

Hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians gather in central Kyiv, defying the ban on protests. The protest later turns violent, with hundreds of activists storming a police cordon, attacking riot police with sticks and chains in an attempt to push their way towards the Ukrainian parliament. The police respond with stun grenades, leaving a dozen protesters injured.

President Yanukovych signs into force a set of tough new laws that ban virtually all forms of anti-government protests, despite criticism from Western governments.

Thousands of Ukrainians gather in Kyiv’s main square to demand closer relations with the EU, reviving the movement after a Christmas and New Year lull.

Ukraine receives the first $3 billion tranche of Russia’s bailout.

Presidents Putin and Yanukovych hold talks in Moscow. The Russian president agrees to buy $15 billion of Ukrainian debt to allow the former Soviet republic to return to economic growth.