Full timeline synthesis
Feb 24, 2022 – Sep 5, 2026Russia launched a full-scale military operation against Ukraine on February 24, 2022, involving airstrikes and ground advances toward Kyiv. The conflict expanded from early battles in Kharkiv and Kyiv to include hypersonic missile strikes, cross-border operations by anti-Putin groups, and Ukrainian strikes on the Russian Black Sea Fleet. By 2024, Russia intensified attacks on power infrastructure and advanced in Avdiivka. Ukraine responded by capturing Sudzha in the Kursk region and utilizing ATACMS and Storm Shadow missiles against Russian territory following US authorization. In 2025 and early 2026, the war transitioned into massive drone warfare and deep-strike operations against energy and nuclear infrastructure. Ukraine launched the 'Spider Web' operation against Russian bombers and targeted oil refineries and ports. Russia responded with heavy aerial bombardments of Kyiv and other cities. A period of attempted de-escalation occurred around Victory Day in May 2026. Ukraine declared a unilateral ceasefire on May 6, which Russia breached with over 100 drones and missiles. Russia then proposed a ceasefire from May 8 to May 10, but both sides reported hundreds of violations within hours; Russia accused Ukraine of 'terrorist' actions, while Ukraine reported significant drone losses. This truce ended on May 12 when Russia launched over 200 drone strikes. Throughout mid-2026, the conflict expanded geographically and technologically. Ukraine deployed AI-powered systems and targeted Russian logistics, including Wildberries warehouses and major oil refineries. Russia countered with massive missile salvos, including hypersonic Oreshnik missiles, and conducted joint nuclear drills with Belarus. International involvement escalated as North Korea deployed 50,000 troops to support Russia. In response, the 'Coalition of the Willing' pledged expanded military aid, and France delivered interceptor missiles to Ukraine. By late August 2026, the conflict saw shifting dynamics, including a temporary suspension of Ukrainian strikes on Moscow and St. Petersburg at the request of US officials. Following this, Russia declared a 'systemic military operation' on August 31, citing retaliation for Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil and internet facilities. This declaration intensified strikes on Ukrainian energy, transportation, and logistics hubs. Ukraine retaliated with hundreds of UAVs targeting Russian airfields and oil ports. The conflict currently stands as a high-intensity cycle of aerial warfare, with Russia targeting Ukrainian security headquarters and civilian infrastructure, while Ukraine conducts long-range strikes against Russian energy, logistics, and military command centers.