Fact Check: Does Russia attack Ukraine?

Fact Check: "Does Russia attack Ukraine?"

What We Know

On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a military invasion of Ukraine, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian War. This invasion followed a prolonged military buildup by Russia near Ukraine's borders, which began in early 2021. Prior to the invasion, Russia made several demands regarding Ukraine's security, including a prohibition on Ukraine joining NATO, which Ukraine rejected (Wikipedia).

The invasion commenced after Russian President Vladimir Putin recognized the independence of two pro-Russian breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine, the Donetsk People's Republic and the Luhansk People's Republic, on February 21, 2022 (Wikipedia). Following this recognition, Putin ordered troops into these regions under the guise of "peacekeeping duties" (The Guardian).

Since the initial invasion, the conflict has evolved through various phases, including significant Ukrainian counteroffensives and ongoing military engagements across multiple fronts (Wikipedia).

Analysis

The claim that "Russia attacks Ukraine" is substantiated by a multitude of credible sources documenting the timeline and events of the invasion. The initial attack on February 24, 2022, was widely reported and condemned internationally, with many nations recognizing it as an act of aggression. For instance, a detailed timeline provided by The New York Times outlines the sequence of events leading to the invasion, including the military buildup and the subsequent attacks on Ukrainian cities.

Moreover, the Defense Department has consistently updated information regarding Russia's military actions in Ukraine, confirming the ongoing nature of the conflict and the attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure and military positions.

The reliability of these sources is high, as they include established news organizations and official government reports. However, it is important to note that narratives surrounding the conflict can be influenced by geopolitical biases. For example, Russian state media often portrays the invasion in a different light, framing it as a defensive measure rather than an aggressive attack. This discrepancy highlights the importance of consulting multiple sources to gain a comprehensive understanding of the situation.

Conclusion

The verdict on the claim "Does Russia attack Ukraine?" is True. The evidence overwhelmingly supports the assertion that Russia has engaged in military actions against Ukraine, beginning with the invasion on February 24, 2022, and continuing through various military operations and engagements in the region. The documented timeline of events and the responses from international bodies affirm the reality of the ongoing conflict.