The Dark Speech That Removed Doubts About Putin's Plans To Invade
For weeks before Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, many observers doubted that Russian President Vladimir Putin would go ahead with it, despite growing signs that a major assault was imminent. Those doubts -- or hopes -- were all but erased when Putin delivered a combative address on February 21, a speech full of false claims and grievances. RFE/RL's Todd Prince wrote about the speech shortly after the onslaught began three days later.
Coming up today...
- By Ray Furlong
It's going to be a busy day of news and events. Here's a brief list of what's expected:
In the next half hour, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to make a video address to the nation.
Zelensky has called an international security summit in Kyiv. EU leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, are expected to attend.
There are also plans for a joint news conference, timings to be confirmed.
In London, the British government is going to announce a new set of sanctions against Russia.
Simultaneous pro-Ukrainian protests will take place outside Russian embassies around the world, including in the Netherlands, Canada, Japan, Lithuania, Sweden, and the United States.
The First Leaders Have Arrived In Kyiv
- By Ray Furlong
A dozen leaders from Europe and Canada have arrived in Kyiv for events marking the anniversary. Also among them were European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
“In this fight for survival, it is not only the destiny of Ukraine that is at stake. It’s Europe’s destiny,” von der Leyen wrote on social media.
Russian tanks rolled through a Crimean checkpoint, February 24, 2022
Some other stories from the first day of the hostilities
- By RFE/RL
RFE/RL's first stories on Russian's full-scale invasion
By RFE/RL
Here are some of the other stories from February 24 2022 when President Zelnskyy told the world that Ukraine had suffered serious losses following a heavy Russian aerial bombardment.
Welcome to our coverage of the third anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Throughout the day we will bringing you the latest news on the conflict as well as reaction to the anniversary.
We will also be hearing from our correspondents and highlighting some of RFE/RL's best reporting of the three years of this conflict.
If you have any questions about the conflict and the future hopes for peace please send us your questions and our experts will answer them for you.