Author: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

The European Union plans to take the unprecedented step of funding weapons purchases for Ukraine, EU officials said on February 27 as the bloc announced a raft of new sanctions in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The EU’s plan to fund weapons purchases will use millions of euros to help buy air-defense systems, anti-tank...

Moscow’s long-feared attack on Ukraine began early on February 24, with missiles being fired at airports and military infrastructure in at least 25 cities after Russia President Vladimir Putin ordered a “special” operation to “demilitarize” its neighbor and rival. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told the nation that Ukraine had suffered “serious losses” in the Russian...

Explosions and gunfire were reported in Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a “special” operation to “demilitarize” the country, a move that could result in the biggest fighting in Europe since the end of World War II. Live video from CNN showed explosions in several areas in and around the...

Britain’s Foreign Affairs Office said the country is ready to help Ukraine “weather the storm of Russian aggression” with loan guarantees of up to $500 million and additional funds. Britain said on February 23 that it is offering guarantees of Multilateral Development Bank lending for projects to support economic stability and reforms, including tackling corruption....

Ukraine has begun calling up military reservists aged 18-60 for service of up to one year following a decree issued by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as the country faces the threat of a full-sale invasion by Russia. Separately, Ukraine’s Security Council approved plans on February 23 to declare a 30-day state of emergency, which would set...

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz says his country is putting the certifying process for the controversial Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline from Russia on hold in reaction to Moscow’s actions in Ukraine. Mr. Scholz told reporters on February 22 that he had asked for the suspension of the review process by a German regulator for the...

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered Russian troops to be sent into separatist-held areas of eastern Ukraine, according to a decree published early on February 22 in Moscow....

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced his decision to recognize an independence bid by Russia-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine in a move that was discouraged by the United Nations and swiftly condemned by Western leaders fearful of major conflict in the region. The White House said U.S. President Joe Biden will order new sanctions against the...

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy joined calls by Western leaders on February 19 for Russia to de-escalate amid soaring tensions with at least 150,000 Russian troops on Ukraine’s borders fueling fears of an imminent invasion. Mr. Zelenskyy told the annual Munich Security Conference that Ukraine would defend its land with its partners or without (The full...

Russia’s Defense Ministry has announced new strategic military maneuvers for February 19, to be overseen by President Vladimir Putin, amid concerns that the Kremlin is possibly planning an invasion of Ukraine. “On February 19, a planned drill of the forces of the strategic containment will be held under the leadership of the Supreme Commander of...

U.S. President Joe Biden has said he is “convinced” Russian President Vladimir Putin has made the decision to invade Ukraine again but held out hope he could be deterred. “As of this moment, I am convinced he has made the decision” to invade Ukraine, Mr. Biden said at a news conference at the White House...

U.S. President Joe Biden says the threat of a Russian invasion of Ukraine is “very high” but that the door to a diplomatic solution remains open, even after Russia expelled the number two official from the U.S. Embassy in Moscow. Mr. Biden told reporters on February 17 as he departed the White House that he...