Russian Strike in Ukraine: A Deep Dive into the Ongoing Crisis
The Russian strike in Ukraine marks one of the most devastating and geopolitically significant events in the 21st century. What began as a regional conflict in 2014 escalated into a full-scale invasion by Russia in February 2022, drawing the attention and involvement of global powers. The continued strikes, including missile attacks, drone raids, and artillery shelling, have resulted in thousands of civilian casualties, the displacement of millions, and an ongoing humanitarian disaster. As of 2025, the conflict has entered a new, even more complex phase.
Origins of the Conflict
To understand the current Russian strikes, it’s essential to trace the origins of the conflict. Tensions between Russia and Ukraine go back centuries, but the modern conflict began in 2014 when Russia annexed Crimea following the ousting of Ukraine’s pro-Russian president, Viktor Yanukovych. This move was met with international condemnation and led to the first waves of sanctions against Russia.
Subsequently, Russian-backed separatists began seizing territory in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of eastern Ukraine, igniting a war that would simmer for years. Despite several ceasefire agreements brokered by the Minsk Accords, fighting never truly ceased, and the line between Russian forces and separatist militias remained blurred.
The 2022 Invasion
On February 24, 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a “special military operation” in Ukraine, which quickly escalated into a full-scale war. Russian forces launched coordinated strikes on major Ukrainian cities including Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Mariupol, targeting military infrastructure, airports, and, increasingly, civilian areas.
Putin’s objectives appeared to include regime change in Ukraine, halting NATO’s eastward expansion, and reasserting Russia’s sphere of influence over former Soviet territories. However, fierce Ukrainian resistance, led by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, turned the tide of expectations. Western nations, particularly the U.S., the UK, and EU members, rallied in support of Ukraine with financial aid, weapons, intelligence, and training.
Russian Military Tactics: Strikes and Shelling
Over the past three years, Russian strikes have evolved in scale and sophistication. From conventional artillery barrages to precision missile strikes and the use of Iranian-made Shahed drones, Russia has maintained pressure on Ukraine’s energy grid, defense infrastructure, and urban centers.
1. Missile Attacks
Missile strikes have become Russia’s primary method of targeting deep into Ukrainian territory. Cruise and ballistic missiles have hit power stations, railways, military depots, and residential areas. The aim appears twofold: to cripple Ukraine’s warfighting capabilities and to sow terror among the civilian population.
In the winter of 2022–2023, Russian missile barrages targeted Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, plunging millions into darkness and cold. These attacks, often launched during peak electricity usage, aimed to break the morale of the Ukrainian people.
2. Drone Warfare
Since mid-2023, Russia has intensified its use of drones. Iran-supplied Shahed-131 and Shahed-136 drones have become a staple in Russian tactics. These drones are relatively cheap and effective at overwhelming Ukrainian air defenses, especially in urban environments.
Ukraine has responded by developing and deploying its own drone systems, leading to a new era of asymmetric warfare. Both sides now routinely conduct drone strikes on command centers, logistics hubs, and even in deep rear areas.
3. Cluster Munitions and Banned Weapons
Numerous reports from human rights organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have accused Russian forces of using banned cluster munitions, thermobaric weapons, and incendiary bombs. These have caused indiscriminate harm to civilians and infrastructure, violating international humanitarian law.
Humanitarian Impact
The toll on the Ukrainian population has been devastating. As of 2025, over 10 million Ukrainians have been displaced from their homes. Entire cities, such as Mariupol and Bakhmut, have been reduced to rubble. According to UN estimates, civilian casualties have surpassed 30,000, though the true number is likely much higher.
Children have suffered disproportionately. Thousands have been orphaned, schools have been destroyed, and educational disruptions are widespread. Additionally, there have been credible reports of forced deportations of Ukrainian children to Russia for adoption, sparking international outcry and investigations into war crimes.
Hospitals and healthcare facilities have not been spared either. The World Health Organization has verified hundreds of attacks on medical infrastructure, exacerbating the suffering of the wounded and sick.
Global Repercussions
The Russian strike in Ukraine has had ripple effects across the globe.
1. Energy Crisis
Europe, heavily reliant on Russian gas, faced a severe energy crunch in 2022 and 2023. The war prompted a scramble for alternative sources, hastening a transition to renewables but also increasing coal usage in the short term. Energy prices spiked, affecting economies far beyond Europe.
2. Grain Shortages
Ukraine is one of the world’s largest exporters of wheat, corn, and sunflower oil. Russian blockades in the Black Sea led to a disruption in global food supply chains, causing food insecurity in Africa and the Middle East. While the UN brokered a temporary grain deal in 2023, it collapsed amid renewed hostilities in 2024.
3. Military Spending and NATO Expansion
The war prompted a renaissance in NATO’s relevance. Finland and Sweden joined the alliance, while Eastern European nations increased military spending and preparedness. Western countries, particularly the U.S., began re-evaluating their defense postures, pivoting more focus toward deterrence in Eastern Europe.
Ukrainian Resilience and Counteroffensives
Despite the constant strikes, Ukraine has mounted significant counteroffensives. In late 2022 and again in 2023, Ukrainian forces reclaimed vast territories, including the Kharkiv region and parts of Kherson. Using Western-supplied weapons like HIMARS, Patriot systems, and Leopard tanks, Ukrainian units demonstrated adaptability and tactical innovation.
The Ukrainian resistance is bolstered by strong public morale, decentralized command structures, and a burgeoning defense industry. In 2024, Ukraine launched a domestic drone program and began manufacturing artillery shells and armored vehicles at scale.
International Response and War Crimes Investigations
The international community continues to impose sanctions on Russia, targeting its financial institutions, defense industry, and political elites. While these sanctions have strained the Russian economy, they have not deterred the Kremlin from continuing its military campaign.
Meanwhile, the International Criminal Court (ICC) and other legal bodies have launched investigations into war crimes committed during the strikes. Evidence of mass graves, torture chambers, and the use of civilian shields has been documented in liberated areas. Arrest warrants for high-ranking Russian military officials and propagandists have been issued, though enforcement remains challenging.
The Role of Information Warfare
The Russian strike is not just a physical campaign—it’s also a war of narratives. Both Russia and Ukraine have employed sophisticated information warfare tactics. Russia continues to propagate state-sponsored disinformation through traditional and digital channels, attempting to justify its actions and divide Western audiences.
Ukraine, on the other hand, has effectively used social media and digital platforms to garner global support, humanize its struggle, and expose Russian atrocities. Zelenskyy’s virtual addresses to international parliaments and global summits have been instrumental in shaping public opinion.
Prospects for Peace
As of mid-2025, the prospects for peace remain uncertain. Negotiations have occurred sporadically, but fundamental disagreements over territorial integrity, NATO involvement, and security guarantees have stalled progress. Russia demands recognition of its annexations, while Ukraine insists on full sovereignty and the return of all occupied lands.
Mediation efforts by countries like Turkey, China, and Brazil have yielded limited results. Western nations remain largely aligned behind Ukraine, while Russia relies increasingly on alliances with Iran, North Korea, and China to circumvent sanctions and resupply its military.
Conclusion
The Russian strike in Ukraine is more than just a conflict between two nations—it is a defining geopolitical event with far-reaching consequences. It challenges the post-World War II international order, tests the resolve of democratic alliances, and exposes the fragility of peace in an interconnected world.
The resilience of the Ukrainian people in the face of relentless aggression is a testament to the human spirit. At the same time, the ongoing violence underscores the urgent need for diplomatic solutions that uphold sovereignty, accountability, and human dignity.
While the war continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the legacy of Russia’s strike on Ukraine will shape global affairs for decades to come.