Today, February 24, marks exactly one year since russia's criminal full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This attack was the culmination of a war of aggression that has been going on for 9 years. Here are the key events that have already gone down in history

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Exactly one year ago on February 24, at around 5 am Kyiv time, russian troops invaded the independent and sovereign territory of Ukraine. For every Ukrainian, these 12 months have been an eternity, and fear and tears have haunted even the sunniest of days. But, despite the pessimistic predictions of our allies, the proud and brave people of Ukraine have stood together and are confidently moving towards victory, which will surely come to our homes soon. 

Visit Ukraine recalls the chronology of events of the most difficult year in Ukraine's history. A year of struggle, courage, and freedom.

November 2021: preparations for the invasion

In November 2021, the whole world witnessed the accumulation of russian equipment near Ukraine's borders. Then, the russian president's recognition of the independence of the so-called Donetsk People's Republic and Luhansk People's Republic became a harbinger of war.

Partner countries, including the United States, support Ukraine and share information about a possible invasion. At the same time, few people believe in our strength. Everyone is inclined to expect a quick victory for the "second army of the world."

February 2022: the invasion

February 24 is a day every Ukrainian will remember for the rest of their lives. At around 5 a.m., russia launches missile attacks on dozens of Ukrainian cities. A column of enemy vehicles enters the Luhansk region. Martial law is declared in the country.

The invader moves and captures the territories of the North, South and East. Konotop, Nova Kakhovka, and Pripyat were among the first to fall. In Donbas, the enemy attacks Volnovakha, Mariupol and Shchastya.

In February, the enemy captures Snake Island (Zmeinyi Island), whose legendary phrase by its defenders became one of the slogans of this war: "Russian warship, go f**k yourself".

The russians also destroy Mriya, the largest transport aircraft in the world, based at the airfield in Gostomel.

Ukrainian channels are unifying their news to avoid panic and misinformation among citizens.

Our Armed Forces are resisting, destroying the occupiers and saboteurs. The battles for Kyiv region and Mykolaiv continue.

March 2022: the seizure of the nuclear power plant and the atrocities in Bucha

Only a few days after the invasion began, spring comes. But it brings more and more bad news. The largest nuclear power plant in Europe, the Zaporizhzhia NPP in Enerhodar, has been seized by the russian military despite the courageous protests of the civilian population. The Kherson region is occupied, Mariupol is under siege, and later russia drops a bomb directly on the Mariupol Drama Theater, where civilians were hiding.

The Ukrainian Armed Forces liberate Irpin and Bucha, which had been under occupation for about a month. And during this time, some of the worst massacres of civilians took place there, shocking the world with their cruelty.

April 2022: Azovstal in the cauldron and the destruction of Moscow

In April, the defenders of Mariupol are surrounded at the Azovstal plant. The enemy continues to terrorize the civilian population and launches rocket attacks on the Kramatorsk railway station, killing 61 people.

But there is peace with Ukraine: Polish President Andrzej Duda, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and other representatives from abroad are visiting us. Among them is British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who is so beloved by the Ukrainian people.

putin's godfather, medvedchuk, fails to escape abroad. He is caught, and after a while exchanged for the captured Ukrainian heroes of Azovstal. 

The destruction of the cruiser Moskva, which was barricaded near Zmeinyi Island, raised our spirits considerably. It was not only a blow to the ship, but also to the ambitions of the russian dictator.

May 2022: The landing and capture of Azovstal's heroes 

In May, U.S. President Joe Biden signs the first arms embargo since World War II. This means providing our country with ammunition, equipment and food.

Ukraine wins the Eurovision Song Contest in Turin. From the stage, Kalush Orchestra draws the world's attention to the defenders of Mariupol, who have been at Azovstal for almost two months.

On May 20, it becomes known that the defenders of Azovstal surrender to save their lives on the orders of the military leadership.

June 2022: EU candidacy and the partial return of Azovstal's defenders

Another step on the road to the West was taken in June. Ukraine is approved for EU candidate status.

Later, on the 29th, the largest prisoner exchange takes place, with 144 people returned, including 95 Azovstal defenders, including officers.

We might not want to create so many memes, but russia is constantly giving us reasons. For example, when the occupiers fled Snake Island, they called it a "gesture of goodwill". But they forgot to mention that the Armed Forces of Ukraine had been covering their positions with heavy fire for a long time.

July 2022: the "grain deal" and the tragedy in Olenivka

In July, we finally manage to sign an agreement on grain exports from Ukraine to avoid the artificial world hunger that russia was gradually creating by blocking our ports.

Also this month, the Ukrainian Armed Forces began to receive offensive Western weapons. For example, thanks to HIMARS, the Ukrainian army has destroyed 50 enemy ammunition depots as of July 25. This reduces the intensity of shelling of Ukrainian territory. Some experts believe that the supply of these weapons marks a turning point in the war.

However, at the end of the month, everyone is shocked by the terrible news: russia insidiously shelled the colony in Olenivka, where Azovstal prisoners were held. 53 Ukrainian soldiers were killed.

 August 2022: the russians exhale and the first "claps" occur in Crimea

Hot August was the first month of the war when the russians failed to capture any major towns or cities. Fighting is taking place in the east, as well as between Kherson and Mykolaiv.

Meanwhile, some residents of the russian rederation declare their reluctance to leave the Crimean peninsula, because it is "so nice and they are so used to it." But they had to, because russian military facilities on the illegally seized peninsula for some reason began to look like a "pop".

In August, space shopping also took place, when Ukrainians bought an entire satellite with their Bayraktar money.

September 2022: liberation of Kharkiv region and mobilization to russia

The first month of fall saw the start of the long-awaited Armed Forces offensive. The Ukrainian military liberated almost the entire occupied part of the Kharkiv region, including the cities of Balakliia, Izyum, and Kupiansk.

Having counted its soldiers, the aggressor country realized that 55 thousand orcs had "disappeared" somewhere, and putin announced a "partial mobilization".

Also this month, the occupiers' advance towards Bakhmut and Soledar was recorded. It was here that some of the fiercest battles of this war began.

October 2022: the fall of the Crimean Bridge and the first blackouts 

The liberation of Lyman and part of the Beryslav district of Kherson region was one of the most joyful events in October. Even more happiness was added on the morning of October 8, when the Kerch Bridge, which russia illegally built after the occupation of Crimea, "fell" from an explosion.

Later, blackouts began in Ukraine. The aggressor is actively implementing its plan to destroy Ukraine's energy infrastructure, and as of October, up to 40% of the country's power grid was damaged. The occupiers are now using not only missiles but also kamikaze drones.

November 2022: liberation of the right bank of the Kherson region, including the city of Kherson

On November 11, the long-awaited news finally comes: a part of the Kherson region on the right bank of the Dnipro is liberated. Residents meet the soldiers, cry and rejoice, and the whole of Ukraine is with them.

By then, the Ukrainian Armed Forces had already liberated half of the territories seized since February 24, which amounted to almost 78,000 square kilometers.

December 2022: russia intensifies missile attacks, and Zelenskyy visits abroad for the first time since the beginning of the war

In December, fierce fighting continues in the east, especially in the vicinity of Bakhmut. russia launches massive missile attacks across Ukraine. For example, it launches 76 missiles at a time, 60 of which are shot down by our air defense.

In December, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy leaves Ukraine for the first time since the start of the full-scale invasion to travel to the United States and meet with U.S. President Joe Biden.

Ukraine also enacts a decision of the National Security and Defense Council regarding religious organizations with centers of influence in russia, including those of the Moscow Patriarchate. The security forces conduct numerous searches, during which they find evidence of cooperation between some representatives of the Moscow Patriarchate and the russian special services.

January 2023: a powerful drone attack on New Year's Eve and long-awaited tanks for Ukraine

The New Year in Ukraine began with air raids and kamikaze drone attacks in various cities of the country, including Kyiv. After the chimes and until the morning, the Air Force shot down about 45 drones.

Two weeks later, Britain announces its decision to give Ukraine its Challenger 2 tanks. London becomes the first of the allies to decide to supply heavy tanks to Kyiv. Following Britain, the United States, Poland, Germany, and others announce the supply of tanks. A tank coalition is formed among the allies, which includes a number of European countries.

At the same time, fierce fighting continues in Donbas, and the enemy launches an active offensive against Soledar, Bakhmut, Kreminna, and Svatove.

February 2023: large-scale prisoner exchange and Biden's secret visit to Kyiv

In February, 100 Ukrainian soldiers were exchanged and returned home.

Also on the eve of the war's anniversary, U.S. President Joe Biden pays a top-secret visit to Kyiv, demonstrating once again his unprecedented support for Ukraine.

During the visit, the US leader announces a new military aid package worth $450 million.

In addition, the President of Ukraine announces the introduction of a resolution in support of peace in Ukraine to the UN General Assembly.

It has been a year-long journey - from despair and confusion to pride and uncompromising faith in our victory. 12 months of tears, losses and hope. 365 days of resistance and struggle. The whole world supports Ukraine, political and opinion leaders are on our side. We don't know when the war will end, but we are sure that the truth is with us.

Together to Victory!

Glory to Ukraine!

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