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The Ongoing Conflict Between Russia and Ukraine An Overview:
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which began in 2014, has had profound implications not only for the two countries involved but also for the international community. Rooted in a complex web of historical, political, and ethnic factors, the crisis has seen numerous escalations, most notably with Russia's annexation of Crimea and the subsequent war in Eastern Ukraine. This article explores the origins, key developments, and the current state of this enduring conflict.

Origins of the Conflict
The roots of the conflict date back to the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, when Ukraine declared its independence. Over the years, Ukraine's relationship with Russia remained complex, influenced by economic ties, political alignments, and the significant Russian-speaking population in Ukraine. Tensions began to rise significantly after the 2013-2014 Euromaidan protests, which led to the ousting of Ukraine's pro-Russian president, Viktor Yanukovych.

In response to what it perceived as a Western-backed coup, Russia annexed Crimea in March 2014, citing the protection of ethnic Russians and strategic interests. This move was widely condemned by the international community and led to sanctions against Russia. Shortly thereafter, pro-Russian separatists in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Eastern Ukraine declared independence, sparking a war with Ukrainian government forces.

Key Developments
The conflict has seen numerous phases and escalations. Initially marked by conventional warfare, it soon transitioned into a grueling and static conflict characterized by trench warfare and sporadic violence. Key moments include:

Annexation of Crimea (2014): Russia's swift takeover of Crimea was a significant turning point. The peninsula was quickly integrated into Russia following a controversial referendum.
War in Donbas (2014-Present): The declaration of independence by separatists in Donetsk and Luhansk led to a full-scale war with Ukrainian forces. Despite various ceasefire agreements, including the Minsk Protocols, fighting has continued.
MH17 Incident (2014): The downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 over Eastern Ukraine, killing all 298 on board, intensified international scrutiny and sanctions against Russia, as evidence pointed to a Russian-supplied missile being responsible.
Kerch Strait Incident (2018): Tensions flared again when Russian forces captured three Ukrainian naval vessels and their crews in the Kerch Strait, claiming they had violated Russian waters.
2022 Escalation: The conflict saw a significant escalation in early 2022, with Russia launching a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This major offensive has resulted in substantial casualties, widespread destruction, and a massive humanitarian crisis.
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