February 24, 2024 will mark the second year of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. On that day, Russian military forces launched a full-scale invasion, which has since left thousands of Ukrainians dead and millions displaced. As the second year of the war comes to a close and the discussions on continued support for Ukraine’s efforts to end the Russian aggression intensify, it is necessary to remember how it all unfolded. The Wilson Center's Ukraine in Europe initiative prepared a timeline of key events leading up to the invasion, showcasing the unwavering transatlantic commitment to Ukraine and the Ukrainian people.
April 6, 2021
Russia begins mass military drills on the Ukraine border, raising concerns over renewed escalations of the conflict in Ukraine.
September 2, 2021
Seeking greater security reassurances from the West and support from President Biden, President Zelensky raises the issue of Ukraine's potential NATO membership during his visit to the United States.
November 13, 2021
In a video address President Zelensky warns Russia has amassed 100,000 troops on the border with Ukraine.
December 1, 2021
At the NATO Foreign Ministers meeting in Riga, Latvia, US Secretary of State Blinken warns Russia had stepped up its plans for potential military action in Ukraine.
December 2, 2021
The risk of an escalation of the conflict in Ukraine was on the top of the agenda at the OSCE Ministerial meeting in Stockholm. US Secretary of State Blinken met both of his counterparts from Ukraine and Russia, warning Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov of severe costs in case of a military invasion of Ukraine.
December 7, 2021
US President Biden holds a virtual meeting with Russian President Putin. He expresses deep concern about Russia's military build-up near Ukraine and warns President Putin, that Russia will pay a high price in case of an invasion.
December 12, 2021
G7 Foreign Ministers and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy issue a statement on Russia’s military build-up and aggressive rhetoric towards Ukraine.
December 17, 2021
Russia presents a highly contentious list of security demands to defuse the crisis over Ukraine, including a ban on Ukraine from entering NATO.
January 10, 2022
Formal talks between US and Russian officials on the continued build up of Russian military forces on the border with Ukraine take place in Geneva, Switzerland. No breakthrough is achieved.
January 12, 2022
After the meeting of the NATO-Russia Council, Jens Stoltenberg states "there is a real risk for new armed conflict in Europe" and that NATO allies are united in finding a diplomatic solution to the concerning situation on the Ukrainian border.
January 13, 2022
At the OSCE Permanent Council meeting in Vienna, Western allies warn about Russia’s unprovoked actions against Ukraine and welcome the Polish Chairmanship’s proposal to use the OSCE as a forum for revitalized European security talks.
January 14, 2022
US Secretary Blinken and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg discuss follow-up to the NATO-Russia Council meeting. They express readiness to meet Russian counterparts to deescalate the situation.
January 21, 2022
US Secretary Blinken meets Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov in Geneva, Switzerland to continue diplomatic efforts on de-escalating the crisis in Ukraine.
January 22, 2022
In a press release, the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office shares evidence of Kremlin’s plans to install a pro-Russian government in Ukraine.
January 24, 2022
Amid fears of a Russian invasion of Ukraine, the US places 8,500 troops on heightened alert to deploy to Europe as NATO increases support for the eastern flank countries.
January 26, 2022
US and NATO respond to the list of security demands presented by Russia on December 17, 2021. Both responses expressed concern about Russia’s actions and reaffirmed NATO's commitment to "open-door" policy but also listed possible areas for dialogue, such as arms control and military exercises.
January 28, 2022
During a briefing at the Pentagon, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Milley, warns Russia has massed more than 100,000 troops on Ukraine’s border, with the capabilities for invasion.
January 28, 2022
In a telephone call with French President Macron, President Putin says NATO has not addressed Russia’s security concerns when it comes to further expansion of the Alliance and deployment of strike weapons systems near the Russian border, according to a Kremlin readout.
January 30, 2022
In an interview on Face the Nation, US Undersecretary for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland warns that Russia has assembled the capabilities for “a massive potential invasion of all of Ukraine.”
February 2, 2022
Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby announces the US will send an additional 2,000 soldiers to Europe and reposition a further 1,000 from Germany to Romania, to show “America's commitment to the defense of NATO allies”
February 4, 2022
At the opening of the Winter Olympics in Beijing, Presidents Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin sign a joint statement calling on the West to “abandon the ideologised approaches of the cold war.”
February 7, 2022
French President Emmanuel Macron meets President Putin for lengthy talks at the Kremlin, aimed at preventing a Russian attack on Ukraine.
February 7, 2022
German Chancellor Scholz meets President Biden in Washington DC confirming the unwavering transatlantic support for Ukraine’s sovereignty.
February 7, 2022
In a joint press conference with US Secretary Blinken, EU High Representative Borell warns Europe faces its biggest security threat since the Cold War.
February 9, 2022
In an interview for NBC Nightly News, President Biden warns American citizens in Ukraine to leave as soon as possible, amid increasing fears of a Russian invasion.
February 10, 2022
According to analysts, Russia launches its largest military exercise since the Cold War jointly with Belarus at its border with Ukraine.
February 14, 2022
In an interview for the Guardian, Russia’s Ambassador to the EU, Vladimir Chizhov, adds to the fears of a Russian invasion of Ukraine, saying Russia has the right to “counterattack” if needed to protect Russian citizens in Ukraine.
February 16, 2022
On the occasion of a newly announced ‘Unity Day’ holiday, Ukrainians all around the country raise the Ukrainian flag and play the anthem to show unity amidst fears of a Russian invasion.
February 17, 2022
At a UN Security Council meeting, US Secretary Blinken warns that Russia is “preparing to launch an attack against Ukraine in the coming days”. He calls for a summit of key leaders to de-escalate the situation and address other mutual security concerns. On the same day, Russia expels the US deputy chief of mission to Russia, Bart Gorman.
February 17, 2022
In an update on the situation at the Russia-Ukraine border, President Biden says he is “convinced” President Putin has decided to invade Ukraine. He reaffirms the US will do everything for a diplomatic and peaceful resolution of the crisis and urges the Kremlin to return to the negotiating table. On the same day, Michael Carpenter, US Ambassador to OSCE warns Russia is planning to fabricate an “attack by Ukrainian military to justify military action against Ukraine.”
February 19, 2022
President Zelensky gives a speech at the Munich Security Conference, calling on the West to help Ukraine fend off a potential Russian invasion.
February 21, 2022
In a TV address, President Putin says Ukraine is an integral part of Russian history and accuses the current Ukrainian government of being run by foreign powers. He signs executive orders on recognizing the Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics as independent.
February 21, 2022
In response, President Biden signs an executive order to “prohibit all new investment, trade, and financing by US persons to, from, or in the so-called ‘Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics’ regions of Ukraine.
February 22, 2022
Germany halts the process to certify the Nord Stream 2 pipeline due to Russia’s recognition of Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics as independent.
February 23, 2022
The European Council adopts the first package of sanctions with measures against all members of the Russian Duma and other individuals responsible for undermining Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity. The package also imposes restrictions on trade and investments in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
February 23, 2022
Kremlin says Russian-backed separatist leaders in Eastern Ukraine have asked Russia for help against the aggression of the Ukrainian armed forces. Russian authorities close domestic airspace around the border with Ukraine for commercial flights.
February 24, 2022
President Putin authorizes "special military operations" in Ukraine. Russian forces begin missile and artillery attacks striking major cities all over Ukraine, including capital city Kyiv.
February 24, 2022
The EU, US, and the UK, along with other partners and allies, issue statements strongly condemning Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified military action against Ukraine, and announce a coalition of partners working together on “restrictive measures” against Russia.
Global Europe Program
The Global Europe Program is focused on Europe’s capabilities, and how it engages on critical global issues. We investigate European approaches to critical global issues. We examine Europe’s relations with Russia and Eurasia, China and the Indo-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa. Our initiatives include “Ukraine in Europe”—an examination of what it will take to make Ukraine’s European future a reality. But we also examine the role of NATO, the European Union and the OSCE, Europe’s energy security, transatlantic trade disputes, and challenges to democracy. The Global Europe Program’s staff, scholars-in-residence, and Global Fellows participate in seminars, policy study groups, and international conferences to provide analytical recommendations to policy makers and the media. Read more
Kennan Institute
The Kennan Institute is the premier US center for advanced research on Eurasia and the oldest and largest regional program at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. The Kennan Institute is committed to improving American understanding of Russia, Ukraine, Central Asia, the South Caucasus, and the surrounding region though research and exchange. Read more
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