Fact Check: Russia started the war in Ukraine

Fact Check: "Russia started the war in Ukraine"

What We Know

The claim that "Russia started the war in Ukraine" is rooted in a series of events that began in 2014. Following Ukraine's Revolution of Dignity, which led to the ousting of pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych, Russia annexed Crimea in March 2014 after a disputed referendum. This act was widely condemned internationally and marked the beginning of a conflict that escalated into the Russo-Ukrainian War. Subsequently, Russian-backed paramilitaries initiated a war in the eastern Donbas region against Ukrainian forces, leading to a prolonged conflict that has continued to evolve over the years (Wikipedia, NPR).

In February 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which was characterized by widespread military aggression and has resulted in significant casualties and a refugee crisis (Reuters, U.S. News). The International Criminal Court has classified the conflict as both a national and international armed conflict involving Russia, further solidifying the assertion that Russia is the aggressor in this situation (Wikipedia).

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim that Russia started the war in Ukraine is substantial and well-documented. The timeline of events leading up to the conflict shows a clear pattern of Russian military aggression, starting with the annexation of Crimea and the support of separatists in Eastern Ukraine (Wikipedia, Commons Library). The actions taken by Russia, including the deployment of troops and military equipment to support separatist forces, demonstrate a direct involvement in initiating hostilities against Ukraine.

Moreover, the credibility of the sources cited is strong. Wikipedia provides a comprehensive overview of the conflict, backed by citations from various reliable news outlets and historical accounts. Similarly, NPR and U.S. News offer detailed timelines and analyses of the events leading to the war, emphasizing Russia's role as the aggressor (NPR, U.S. News). The International Criminal Court's classification of the conflict adds a layer of legal recognition to the assertion that Russia is responsible for starting the war.

While some narratives may attempt to portray the conflict as a result of complex geopolitical tensions, the overwhelming consensus among credible sources is that Russia's actions were the catalyst for the war.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that "Russia started the war in Ukraine" is substantiated by a clear historical timeline and a consensus among credible sources. Russia's annexation of Crimea and subsequent military actions in Eastern Ukraine constitute the initiation of hostilities, making it accurate to state that Russia is responsible for starting the war.