The last war in Ukraine, often referred to as the Russo-Ukrainian War, is still an ongoing conflict. However, the most recent large-scale military action occurred in 2014, following the Ukrainian Revolution.
This period, marked by the annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation and the War in Donbass, has significantly shaped the geopolitical landscape of Eastern Europe.
The Annexation of Crimea
The crisis began in late 2013 when then-Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych decided not to sign an association agreement with the European Union, favoring closer ties with Russia instead. This decision sparked massive pro-European protests in Ukraine, known as Euromaidan.
In February 2014, Yanukovych was ousted from power, and a new pro-Western government was installed. In response, in March 2014, a referendum was held in Crimea, an autonomous region within Ukraine, on whether to join Russia or remain with Ukraine. The referendum, widely criticized by the international community, saw the majority vote in favor of joining Russia.
International Response
The annexation of Crimea by Russia was condemned internationally. The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution affirming Ukraine's territorial integrity and condemning the referendum. The European Union and the United States imposed economic sanctions on Russia in response.
Despite the international pressure, Russia maintained its control over Crimea, leading to an ongoing dispute over the territory's status.
Impact on Ukraine
The annexation of Crimea had significant consequences for Ukraine. It led to a loss of territory and resources, as Crimea is home to important naval bases and a significant portion of Ukraine's Black Sea coastline. Additionally, the crisis strained Ukraine's relations with Russia, leading to economic repercussions and a decline in trade.
Moreover, the crisis in Crimea fueled separatist sentiments in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of eastern Ukraine, leading to the War in Donbass.
The War in Donbass
Following the annexation of Crimea, pro-Russian separatists in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of eastern Ukraine declared independence, leading to a war with Ukrainian forces. The conflict, which began in April 2014, has resulted in over 13,000 deaths and more than 1.5 million people displaced.
The war has been characterized by periods of intense fighting followed by ceasefires, the most significant of which is the Minsk agreements. However, despite these agreements, the conflict continues to this day, with regular violations of the ceasefire.
International Involvement
The conflict in Donbass has drawn international attention and involvement. The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) has been monitoring the situation, and the United Nations has provided humanitarian aid to those affected by the conflict.
Russia has been accused of providing military support to the separatists, a claim it has consistently denied. The conflict has also been a source of tension between Russia and the West, with the EU and the US imposing sanctions on Russia over its role in the crisis.
Impact on Ukraine
The War in Donbass has had a profound impact on Ukraine. The conflict has resulted in significant loss of life and infrastructure damage, leading to an economic downturn. The crisis has also strained Ukraine's relations with Russia, leading to a decline in trade and increased tensions.
Moreover, the conflict has had political implications, with Ukraine's pro-Western government facing challenges in implementing reforms and maintaining public support.
The situation in Eastern Ukraine remains complex and fluid, with no immediate end in sight. Despite the ongoing conflict, Ukraine continues to work towards peace and stability, with the support of the international community.