2 years of Russia-Ukraine War

Why in news?

February 24, 2024 marks second year of Russia-Ukraine war which started in 2022.

How the war evolved in 2 years?

• Russia invasion- It attacked Ukraine from 3 direction the south (from Crimea and the Black Sea), the east (from the Donbass region and the border), and the north (from Belarus and the border).
• Ukraine resistance- Ukraine fought back against the Russian invasion, but faced a huge disadvantage in terms of military strength, resources, and allies.
• Russian advance- It captured key cities and ports such as Mariupol, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia and imposed naval blockade on Ukraine cutting off its access to the Black Sea and the global market.
• Black sea Grain initiative- It is a UN brokered deal signed by Russia, Ukraine and Turkey to allow allow the safe transportation of grain and foodstuffs from Ukrainian ports to the rest of the world
• Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant- It is situated in Ukraine, both Russia and Ukraine have accused each other of shelling Europe’s largest nuclear power plant.

Ukraine launched its first counter-offensive attack against Russian invasion focusing on Kharkiv region

• Sabotage of Nord Stream pipeline- It is a network of offshore natural gas pipelines that run under the Baltic Sea from Russia to Germany. The sabotage was widely blamed on Ukrainian nationalists, who claimed responsibility for the attack.
• Kerch Strait bridge- It was seen as a symbol of Russia’s control over Crimea, it was damaged by a large explosion which caused parts of road bridge to collapse but Ukraine denied any involvement.
• Ukraine gains- Ukraine managed to regain some grounds in Kharkiv and recaptured Kerson , a startegic city in Black Sea coast.
• The Battle of Bakhmut- It is a city in the Donetsk region, it resulted in more number of casualties on both sides.
• Wagner group rebellion- In 2023, Ukraine launched a counteroffensive operation but faced a challenge from Wagner group, a Russian-backed private military company that had been fighting in Ukraine since 2014.
• Adviivka- Recently Russia captured the town Avdiivka, near Donetsk which was the largest territorial gain for Russia.

What is the current status of war?

• Ukrainian resistance- Despite initial predictions of a quick Russian victory, Ukraine has managed to hold its ground and repel Russian attacks.

Ukraine has recaptured 54% of occupied territory, while Russia still occupies 18% of the country.

• Russia’s advantage- It has an edge over Ukraine in terms of military strength, resources and diplomacy. Russia has weathered the Western sanctions and maintained its economic growth and energy exports.
• War of attrition- Russia has adapted this strategy using hybrid warfare, cyberattacks, and propaganda.

War of attrition is a prolonged period of conflict during which each side seeks to gradually wear down the other by a series of small-scale actions.

• Reduced fund from US- Israel Palestine conflict has reduced media attention for Ukraine. US, as the main supporter of Ukraine and a key ally of Israel, has faced a dilemma of how to balance its involvement in both conflicts which would reduce funding from US to Ukraine.
• Decline of Europe economy- The European countries is witnessing economic decline, this would reduce the support for the Ukraine war.

What are the impacts of the war?

• Humanitarian crisis- As per UN 6.5 million civilians are internally displaced and 4 million have forced to flee to neighbouring countries.
• Geopolitical change- The war has challenged the transatlantic system, UN and it also challenged the security and stability of Europe.
• Impact on bilateral relations- It has affected the relations between Russia and other countries such as China, India, Turkey and Iran.
• Impact on economy- The war has disrupted the global supply chains of energy, agriculture, and manufacturing, leading to higher prices and shortages in some regions.
• Strengthening of NATO- Due to Russia’s actions, new countries like Finland and Sweden have joined NATO.

What lies ahead?

• Russia does not aim to conquer all of Ukraine, but rather to achieve its strategic and political objectives, such as weakening Ukraine’s sovereignty, securing its military and economic interests, and challenging the US and NATO influence in the region.
• Ukraine has defended its territory and sovereignty, but has faced difficulties and uncertainties in securing sufficient and continued support from the West.
• Ukraine wants to restore its borders and integrity, while Russia wants to keep its occupied territories and ensure Ukraine’s neutrality.
• The incompatible peace talks between Russia and Ukraine would only further escalate the issue in ongoing war between the two countries.

References

1. Indian Express- Russia Ukrain war 2 years on
2. Indian Express- Russian advance and Ukrainian counteroffensive