Ukraine war: A month-by-month timeline of the conflict so far

February 2022: Russia's invasion of Ukraine sparks intense fighting in the northern regions. Tens of thousands of Russian troops aim to capture Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital, and remove the country's leadership. Wagner Group mercenaries are reportedly brought in to assassinate the Ukrainian president. President Zelenskyy's public defiance becomes a rallying point for Ukrainians and garners international support. The EU opens its doors to Ukrainian refugees, and the United Nations condemns Russia's aggression.

March 2022: The impact of Russia's invasion ripples globally as food and energy prices rise. There are concerns about the cost of living and food security, especially in developing countries. Russian forces encounter resistance near Kyiv, and logistical and communication issues affect their advance. Evidence of war crimes emerges, including mass graves in Bucha containing civilian victims. Russia begins cracking down on independent media and internal opposition.

April 2022: A Russian missile strike hits a train station, causing civilian casualties. Russia shifts its offensive to the east, aiming to seize the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. A Ukrainian missile sinks Russia's flagship, weakening Moscow's naval power. Ukraine's children are heavily affected by the war, leading to displacement. NATO expands as Sweden and Finland express interest in joining.

May 2022: The last city in the Luhansk region falls to Russia, and the focus shifts to Donetsk. Inflation rises in the Eurozone, and Russia periodically shuts down Nord Stream gas pipelines, raising concerns. Ukraine and Russia reach an agreement on grain exports. Ukrainian resistance ends in Mariupol's Azovstal steel mill. NATO's growth and the Eurovision win are lighter points amid ongoing conflict.

June 2022: The war reaches 100 days with severe casualties and destruction. Western brands leave Russia due to the war's impact. A global food crisis looms, affecting millions. Ukraine recaptures Snake Island in the Black Sea. Questions arise about Russia's economic resilience amid the conflict.

July 2022: Russian advances continue, focusing on defending Donetsk. Inflation remains high in the Eurozone. Russia disrupts gas pipelines, causing concern for Europe's energy supply. A deal is made between Ukraine and Russia on grain exports. The US starts targeting Russian military assets.

August 2022: Allegations of civilian harm due to Ukrainian military presence arise. Explosions in Russian-occupied Crimea raise questions about their cause. Gas exports to Europe stop due to pipeline maintenance, leading to price surges. Accusations and counter-accusations highlight the conflict's complexity.

September 2022: Ukraine launches a counter-offensive in the northeastern region. President Zelenskyy raises the Ukrainian flag in a liberated city. Putin announces a partial mobilization of troops. The US alleges forcible deportations of Ukrainian citizens to Russia. Russia officially annexes regions in Ukraine, drawing international condemnation.

October 2022: An explosion damages a bridge linking Russia and Crimea. Russia targets Ukraine's energy infrastructure, impacting power and heating. War and inflation drive child poverty. Ukraine's liberation of Kherson is a notable victory. NATO's promise to admit Ukraine signals support.

November 2022: Ukrainian troops liberate Kherson after months of occupation. A blast near the Ukrainian border kills two in Poland. Inflation remains high in Europe. Tensions escalate as Russia annexes regions in Ukraine.

December 2022: Zelenskyy visits the US for support against Russia. The US promises military aid, including Patriot air defense systems. Tensions persist between Russia and Ukraine, impacting negotiation attempts.

January 2023: Germany agrees to supply battle tanks to Ukraine. US President Biden promises support. Russia claims readiness to negotiate but remains at odds with Ukraine.

February 2023: A corruption scandal hits Ukraine's Defense Ministry, raising concerns about misuse of funds. A NATO summit does not provide an immediate membership date for Ukraine. Fighting in Bakhmut continues with both sides claiming control. Leaked intelligence reveals behind-the-scenes details.

March 2023: Intense fighting continues in Bakhmut, with heavy losses on both sides. The EU offers support, warning Ukraine's fall is possible without aid. Tensions between Russian military and Wagner mercenaries deepen. NATO summit disappoints Ukraine.

April 2023: A corruption scandal involving inflated contracts for frontline troops' food surfaces in Ukraine. The EU resolves a grain dispute. Speculations arise about a Ukrainian counteroffensive. The battle for Bakhmut persists, with both sides vying for control.

May 2023: Speculations grow about a Ukrainian counteroffensive. NATO summit disappoints Ukraine by not setting a clear membership date. Accusations of landmine use and the supply of cluster bombs spark controversy. Tensions persist between Russia and Wagner mercenaries.

June 2023: A dam explosion in southern Ukraine causes significant damage and casualties. Wagner mercenaries rebel against Russia's leadership, leading to a tense standoff. Accusations and counter-accusations highlight internal tensions.