Fact Check: Russia has conducted military operations in Ukraine since 2014.

Fact Check: "Russia has conducted military operations in Ukraine since 2014."

What We Know

The claim that "Russia has conducted military operations in Ukraine since 2014" is supported by a substantial amount of evidence. The conflict began in April 2014 when Russian paramilitaries seized control of several towns in the eastern Donbas region of Ukraine, leading to a military response from Ukraine's armed forces (War in Donbas - Wikipedia). This military engagement has been characterized by covert Russian military involvement, as well as support for pro-Russian separatists who declared independence in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions (Russia's “Special Military Operation” and the (Claimed) Right ...).

In March 2014, following the Euromaidan protests and the subsequent ousting of Ukraine's pro-Russian president, Russia occupied Crimea, which was formally annexed shortly thereafter. This annexation was widely condemned by the international community (Annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation). Following the annexation, Russia's military operations escalated in the Donbas region, where it provided direct military support to separatist forces, including troops and weaponry (10 facts you should know about russian military aggression ...).

Analysis

The evidence clearly indicates that Russia has been involved in military operations in Ukraine since 2014. Multiple sources confirm that Russian forces were actively engaged in the conflict, often disguised as local separatists. For instance, the War in Donbas - Wikipedia entry notes that by August 2014, Russia was covertly sending troops and military equipment to support the separatists, who were struggling against Ukrainian forces.

Moreover, the Russian military intervention in eastern Ukraine report highlights that regular units of the Russian army crossed the border into Ukraine, leading to significant territorial gains for pro-Russian forces. This direct military involvement was a response to the perceived threat to Russian interests in the region, particularly following the political upheaval in Ukraine.

While some sources may exhibit bias—such as those from Russian state media or pro-Russian commentators—the majority of credible analyses, including those from Western think tanks and international observers, corroborate the claim of Russian military operations in Ukraine since 2014.

Conclusion

The claim that "Russia has conducted military operations in Ukraine since 2014" is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms that Russia's military involvement began with the annexation of Crimea in early 2014 and has continued through various military engagements in the Donbas region, supporting separatist forces against the Ukrainian government.