Ukraine

What is the history of Ukraine?

Answer: Ukraine is located in Eastern Europe, bordering countries such as Poland, Belarus and Hungary. Its capital is Kyiv. The country has a long history marked by division, various leaders, and wars. Ukraine became an independent nation in 1991 following the collapse of the Soviet Union. Presidents in Ukraine are directly elected by popular vote.

Who is the president of Ukraine?

Answer: Ukraine is led by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who was elected in 2019. Before becoming president, Zelenskyy was a comedian and actor. Presidential terms in Ukraine last five years, with a limit of two consecutive terms. Zelenskyy has served for more than four years, but there has not been an election since the war with Russia began.

What is the Russia-Ukraine war?

Answer: On February 21, 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the recognition of two eastern Ukrainian breakaway regions, the Donetsk People's Republic and the Luhansk People's Republic. This move prompted the first round of NATO sanctions against Russia and raised concerns about an imminent invasion of Ukraine.

Despite Western threats, Putin launched his invasion three days later, aiming for what he said was the "demilitarization and denazification" of Ukraine. Explosions were heard in major Ukrainian cities such as Kyiv, Kharkiv and Odessa shortly after the invasion was announced. Russian troops landed in the coastal city of Mariupol, and large units advanced toward the capital.

Heavy fighting erupted across the country, including in Kyiv, while the Russian air force bombarded major cities and key infrastructure. Although many analysts expected the Ukrainian military to quickly succumb, the country's resistance proved more formidable than anticipated.

The United States has spent billions of dollars supporting Ukraine since the war began in 2022. President Donald Trump has met with Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy both in the United States and internationally to seek an end to the conflict.