Fact Check: Did Ukraine Attack Russia First?
What We Know
The claim that Ukraine attacked Russia first is misleading and lacks substantial evidence. The current conflict, often referred to as the Russo-Ukrainian War, escalated significantly when Russia launched a full-scale military invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. This invasion followed a prolonged period of military buildup by Russia along the Ukrainian border, which began as early as 2021 (Wikipedia). Prior to the invasion, tensions had been escalating due to Russia's demands regarding Ukraine's NATO membership and the recognition of separatist regions in eastern Ukraine (Defense.gov).
In the lead-up to the invasion, on February 21, 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered troops into the separatist regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, which he recognized as independent republics (The Guardian). This action was a clear indication of Russia's aggressive posture towards Ukraine, rather than a response to any Ukrainian military action.
Analysis
The assertion that Ukraine attacked Russia first often stems from the complex history of the conflict, particularly the events in eastern Ukraine since 2014, when Russia annexed Crimea and supported separatist movements. However, the timeline of events leading up to the 2022 invasion shows that Russia was the aggressor. The military buildup and subsequent invasion were preemptive actions by Russia, not reactions to Ukrainian aggression (Wikipedia).
Moreover, credible sources such as the BBC and Politico have documented the sequence of events leading to the invasion, emphasizing that Russia's actions were not provoked by Ukraine but were part of a broader strategy to exert control over Ukraine and prevent its alignment with Western institutions (BBC, Politico).
The reliability of sources that claim Ukraine attacked first is often questionable, as they may be influenced by pro-Russian narratives or lack comprehensive context. In contrast, established news organizations and academic analyses provide a more nuanced understanding of the events, reinforcing the conclusion that Russia initiated the conflict (New York Times).
Conclusion
The claim that Ukraine attacked Russia first is False. The evidence overwhelmingly supports the conclusion that Russia was the aggressor in the conflict, initiating military action against Ukraine without provocation. The timeline of events clearly indicates that the invasion was part of a long-standing strategy by Russia to undermine Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Sources
- Timeline of the Russian invasion of Ukraine - Wikipedia
- Russian War in Ukraine: Timeline - Defense.gov
- The Guardian - Putin orders troops into eastern Ukraine on 'peacekeeping duties'
- BBC News - Why is Russia invading Ukraine and what does Putin want?
- New York Times - Key Moments in the Russia-Ukraine War: A Timeline
