The full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine began on 24 February 2022, when Russia launched a major escalation of the Russo-Ukrainian war, which had begun in 2014. Russia described the invasion as a “special military operation.”

The invasion’s initial advance toward Kyiv was pushed back by Ukrainian forces by April 2022. Fighting then shifted to more conventional combat in southern and eastern Ukraine. The war remains ongoing.

The conflict has involved attacks on energy infrastructure and Russian oil refineries, as well as efforts to negotiate ceasefires. These issues have featured in international discussions about the war and support for Ukraine.