Key Questions and Answers on Russia’s Aggression against Ukraine
1. When did Russia’s aggression against Ukraine begin?
Russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine began in February 2014 with the military occupation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, followed by Russia’s intervention in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
Russia subsequently attempted to illegally annex Crimea and supported, armed and directed armed formations operating in eastern Ukraine.
On 24 February 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, dramatically expanding the war that had begun in 2014. Ukraine and the international community regard Russia’s actions as a violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and of the fundamental principles of the UN Charter. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine
2. What happened on 24 February 2022?
In the early hours of 24 February 2022, Russian forces launched a large-scale invasion of Ukraine from several directions, accompanied by missile and air strikes across the country.
The invasion followed months of a major Russian military build-up around Ukraine and Russia’s recognition on 21 February 2022 of the so-called “Donetsk People’s Republic” and “Luhansk People’s Republic”.
Ukraine exercised its inherent right of self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter and continues to defend its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.
Russia’s full-scale invasion is now in its fifth year and remains a major threat to international peace and security. In September 2026, the UN Secretary-General again described Russia’s full-scale invasion as a violation of the UN Charter.
3. Which territories of Ukraine are temporarily occupied by Russia?
Russia continues to temporarily occupy the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, as well as parts of the Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions.
Ukraine and the overwhelming majority of the international community do not recognise Russia’s attempted annexation of these territories.
Ukraine’s internationally recognised borders remain those established following the restoration of its independence in 1991.
4. Why is Russia’s aggression a violation of international law?
Russia’s use of armed force against Ukraine violates fundamental principles of international law, including the prohibition on the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of another state enshrined in the UN Charter.
Russia’s aggression has also violated commitments and obligations arising from a number of international and bilateral instruments, including the Helsinki Final Act, the 1994 Budapest Memorandum, and bilateral agreements recognising Ukraine’s borders and sovereignty.
The UN General Assembly has repeatedly adopted resolutions reaffirming Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders.
5. What are the humanitarian consequences of Russia’s war?
Russia’s aggression has caused large-scale civilian casualties, destruction of homes and critical infrastructure, displacement of millions of people and extensive damage to Ukraine’s economy, environment and cultural heritage.
International organisations have documented violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law committed in the course of the war.
Particular concerns include attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, torture and ill-treatment, unlawful detention, conflict-related sexual violence, and the deportation and forced transfer of Ukrainian children.
6. Why does the war matter beyond Ukraine?
Russia’s aggression challenges the basic principle that borders cannot be changed by force.
The war has affected international food and energy security, global supply chains, nuclear safety and the functioning of multilateral institutions.
Ukraine is a major agricultural producer and exporter, and Russian attacks on Ukrainian ports, energy infrastructure and agricultural facilities have had consequences well beyond the region.
The conflict also has direct implications for countries far from Europe, including the Indo-Pacific, because respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and international law is central to international security.
7. What is Ukraine seeking?
Ukraine seeks a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on the UN Charter and international law.
Ukraine’s objectives include:
Ukraine continues to work with international partners to achieve these objectives through diplomatic, political, economic and security cooperation.
8. What is the international community doing?
Ukraine’s partners provide military, humanitarian, financial and energy assistance, impose sanctions on Russia and support international accountability mechanisms.
A number of international initiatives also focus on Ukraine’s recovery, the return of Ukrainian children, nuclear and food security, and efforts toward a comprehensive, just and lasting peace.
Australia and New Zealand are among the countries supporting Ukraine through assistance, sanctions and participation in international initiatives.
9. Where can I find reliable information?
For official and regularly updated information, please refer to: