A Year of War in Ukraine
Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, the war has taken unexpected turns, and both countries are now entrenched in heavy fighting in Ukraine's east and south.
February 2023
At the start of the war, Ukraine defied many Western intelligence assessments that predicted a quick Russian victory. Ukrainian forces held off an assault on its capital, Kyiv, and forced Russia to change its focus to the eastern part of the country.
Now the two sides are mired in battle in parts of the east and south, with Ukraine's Western allies investing billions of dollars into military aid — including sophisticated weaponry — to support Kyiv, while Russia has been amassing resources and troops to the front lines.
A year into the war, there are signs that the fighting could drag on for much longer. Russia has not wavered from its goal to capture eastern Ukraine, while Kyiv has rejected any settlement that would allow its territories captured during the war to remain under Russian occupation.
The war has taken a huge toll in terms of lives lost, homes destroyed, and residents uprooted. Millions of Ukrainians have fled their country, leading to the greatest refugee exodus in Europe since World War II.
While Ukraine and Russia have closely guarded casualty figures, estimates put the number of dead and wounded soldiers from both countries in the tens of thousands, with tens of thousands more civilians killed in Ukraine.
The war has devastated Ukraine's economy, caused an economic downturn in Russia, and had ripple effects on the world economy, including contributing to a global rise in food and energy costs. European energy markets have been fundamentally changed by the war, with much of Europe moving away from Russian coal, oil and gas imports.
Part I: Casualties The exact numbers are not known
Source: AP News
The exact number of military casualties is not known, with both Ukraine and Russia guarding the figures for their troops. Civilian casualties are also hard to obtain because Ukraine is an active war zone. The U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees has confirmed 7,000 civilian deaths in the country; however, the organization says the death toll is likely much higher. U.S. General Mark Milley, chairman of the Joints Chiefs of Staff, estimated the following figures in November:
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As many as 40,000 Ukrainian civilians killed.
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More than 100,000 Ukrainian soldiers killed or injured.
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More than 100,000 Killed or injured Russian soldiers.
Part II: Ukrainians flee violence Millions have fled the country
Source: UNHCR
Before the war began, Ukraine had a population of more than 40 million. Since the February 2022 invasion, millions of Ukrainians have fled the country, with millions more displaced within its borders.
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15.5 MILLION border crossings from Ukraine (as of November 2022).
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8 MILLION refugees from Ukraine recorded across Europe (as of February 2023).
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5.9 MILLION people estimated to be internally displaced in Ukraine (as of December 2022).
Refugee numbers for most countries are based on registrations for Temporary Protection or similar national schemes. In countries in which that data is not available, figures are based on refugees registered as living in that country.
DISCLAIMER: UNHCR figures show that 2.8 million Ukrainians went to Russia since the war started, though some went involuntarily or had no alternative.
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Countries that have taken in more than 100,000 Ukrainians. Sources: UNHCR data, White House statement (for U.S. data).
Part III: Western Aid to Ukraine 108.8 billion euros to Ukraine in aid
Source: The Kiel Institute for the World Economy. The figures are based on data through November 20, 2022.
The Kiel Institute for the World Economy estimates that 46 countries have provided 108.8 billion euros to Ukraine in the form of military, financial and humanitarian aid. The majority of the aid has come from EU countries and the United States.
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Largest contributors (in billions of euros).
Part IV: Economy Devastation and Decline
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Real GDP, annual percentage change. Sources: International Monetary Fund, Reuters.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and the resulting sanctions imposed on Moscow by Western countries have led Russia’s economy into decline. The war has devastated Ukraine’s economy, with World Bank Vice President Anna Bjerde saying in December that postwar construction of Ukraine will cost $525-$630 billion.
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Global Food Price Index. Source: U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization.
The Food Price Index is a measure of the change in international prices of five commodity groups (meat, dairy, cereals, vegetable oils and sugar).
Global food prices have increased in the past two years due to a range of factors, including pandemic disruptions, drought and the war in Ukraine, one of the world’s largest wheat producers.
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Global Energy Price Index. Source: International Monetary Fund.
The index measures the global price movement of energy, including petroleum, natural gas, coal and propane, relative to the base year of 2016.
A recent surge in the global price of gas, coal and electricity is the result of a number of causes, including increased demand for energy as the coronavirus pandemic eased across the world. Exacerbating the energy supply issues is the war in Ukraine, which has led European countries to reduce their dependence on Russian coal, oil and gas.
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Real GDP, annual percentage change. Source: International Monetary Fund, January 2023.
Economic output around the world dropped significantly in 2022 and is projected to fall further in 2023. The downturn has been caused by a range of factors, including pandemic disruptions and higher-than-expected inflation. Economists say the war in Ukraine has dragged down the world economy, as well as contributed to rising food and energy prices.
Ukraine, 1 Year Later Part V: VOA News Coverage
On the Ground
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Preparing for War: Media Groups Provide Gear, Training for Reporters in Ukraine
On the front lines in Ukraine, journalists confront risks to report on the war. But with several killed or seriously injured in the past year, media advocates have mobilized to offer training and equipment. VOA’s Heather Murdock reports from Kyiv, Lviv and the front lines in the Donbas region of Ukraine.
Camera: Yan Boechat.
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Fighting in Ukraine's Kherson Province Has Left Residents Devastated
Over the past year of war, Russia has occupied and lost vast swaths of Ukraine, and it now appears to be attempting to retake some of the same territory. Families remaining in the areas under fire say the losses they have already suffered have been enormous. VOA’s Heather Murdock reports from Ukraine’s Kherson Oblast, just north of Crimea.
Camera: Yan Boechat.
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When Sirens Become White Noise
A full year of daily strikes on civilian areas of Ukraine has left people numb, saying they barely hear the sirens. Even far from the front lines, locals say everything about life in Ukraine is different. VOA’s Heather Murdock reports from Dnipro in Ukraine.
Camera: Yan Boechat.
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Russia Closing in on Fiercely Contested City in Ukraine
As both Ukraine and Russia step up military force in eastern Ukraine, Russia appears to be close to surrounding Bakhmut, a city that has been the site of fierce battles for months. VOA’s Heather Murdock reports from Bakhmut.
Camera: Yan Boechat.
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How Residents of Formerly Occupied Town of Lyman Are Surviving Winter
The town of Lyman in the Donetsk region was occupied by Russian forces between May and October 2022. It has been severely damaged, and those locals who have not left are doing what they can to get through the winter. Yaroslava Movchan has the story, narrated by Anna Rice.
Camera: Arthur Shagalin.
Refugee Stories
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Ukrainian Family Finds New Home in Texas
The Avtushenkos spent the past year living in war-torn Ukraine, but with a new baby on the way, the family left the country to start anew in Texas. Deana Mitchell has the story.
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Ukrainian Refugee Family Settling in Denver
A year after Russia invaded Ukraine, millions of civilians remain displaced by the fighting. Some are still in Europe, but some are in the United States. For VOA, Svitlana Prystynska visits with a young Ukrainian refugee family in the western U.S. state of Colorado.
Camera: Volydumyr Petruniv.
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Ukrainian Refugees in US Grateful, Anxious About Future
Nearly a year ago, tens of thousands of Ukrainians sought refuge in the United States as Russian troops invaded their country. Mike O'Sullivan spoke with two Ukrainian families in California about their lives one year later.
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The Last Train to Germany: A Free Lifeline for Ukraine’s Refugees
One year on from Russia’s invasion, most free transport for those escaping war has been discontinued.
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Ukrainian Refugees Find Welcome in Pacific Northwest
One year after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, refugees fleeing the violence have settled around the world. For VOA, Deborah Bloom take us to meet a refugee mother and daughter in the U.S. Pacific Northwest state of Oregon.
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As EU Welcomes Ukraine’s Refugees, Other Newcomers Cry Foul
The European Union has opened its doors to millions of Ukrainian refugees since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine — even as member states tighten restrictions against economic migrants and asylum seekers from elsewhere. That includes France, which unveiled new immigration legislation last week. For VOA, Lisa Bryant reports from the Paris suburb of Evry-Courcouronnes.
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Poland Braces for More Refugees, as Fighting Intensifies in Ukraine
Millions of Ukrainians fled into Poland in the first months of Russia's invasion. A year on, the chaotic scenes at the border have eased - and many Ukrainians now cross back and forth from their home country. As Henry Ridgwell reports from the border town of Przemyśl, Poland is braced for a new influx of refugees as the fighting intensifies in eastern Ukraine.
Videographer: Henry Ridgwell.
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Poland Braces for More Refugees as Fighting Intensifies in Ukraine
Many Ukrainian refugees say they have learned to cope with war, 12 months after Russia’s invasion.
Press Freedom
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A Year Into War, Russia’s Exiled Journalists Have Few Hopes
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine unleashed a wave of repression against independent journalism inside Russia, forcing many journalists to seek refuge in neighboring Latvia. One year on, their hopes of returning to practice their profession in Russia are few. Jonathan Spier narrates this report from Ricardo Marquina in the Latvian capital, Riga.
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Russian Disinformation Campaigns Targeting Developing Countries
Russian narratives calling the invasion of Ukraine a "special military operation" are being heard in some countries, thanks to a Russian disinformation campaign targeting specific areas of the world. VOA’s Virginia Gunawan reports. VOA's Ukrainian Service contributed to this report.
Camera: Laurentius Wahyudi, Naras Prameswari, AP, AFP, Zoom (with license).
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A Reporter's Notebook: a Lost Dog, a Clean Walkway and Memories of Better Times
Residents of Kherson, Ukraine, focus on the small things.
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As Ukraine War Enters Second Year, Europe Struggles to Meet Security Challenge
A year after the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the first German-made tanks should soon arrive on the front line to support Kyiv’s forces. Over the past 12 months, Germany and other European nations have tried to respond to the return of large-scale land warfare to the continent. Critics say they haven’t acted fast enough, as Henry Ridgwell reports from Berlin.
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Refugees In, Weapons Out: Poland’s Front-Line Role in Ukraine War
Poland has led refugee response and is also the main conduit for western arms into Ukraine.
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European Union Weighs Sanctions Against Russian Diamond Industry
The European Union is marking the anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine with more sanctions against Moscow. Previous sanctions have targeted commodities like oil, gas, coal, steel, cigarettes, vodka and gold. But one key Russian export is expected to be off the EU’s list once again: diamonds. For VOA, Lisa Bryant went to the world’s diamond trading capital of Antwerp, Belgium, to find out why.
Washington Correspondents
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Calls Grow for Tribunal for Russia's 'Crime of Aggression'
Ukraine has pursued legal action against Moscow since 2014 without success. Is this time different?
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US Aid Commitment to Ukraine Largest Since US War in Iraq
The U.S. Congress has appropriated more than $112 billion in aid to Ukraine since Russia invaded one year ago. VOA congressional correspondent Katherine Gypson looks back at the scope of that assistance and reports on what happens next. VOA footage by Rob Parsons.
NATO
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VOA Exclusive: Alongside Closest US Soldiers to Russia’s Border
U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin was in Estonia on Thursday, where the United States and NATO allies have increased force numbers as part of a push to deepen defenses across NATO’s eastern flank. VOA Pentagon correspondent Carla Babb gained exclusive access to US soldiers in Estonia, as she crisscrossed the country to learn more about its defense
Camera: Mary Cieslak
Video Editor: Mary Cieslak.
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Defending NATO's Edge: Air Policing on Romania's Border With Ukraine
Securing the skies has been a primary concern in Ukraine since Russia’s invasion began, and for NATO countries bordering Ukraine and Russia, it is a job that is shared. Fighter pilots from Italy, Germany, the United States and others rotate through countries on the alliance’s eastern flank to keep constant watch for any threat crossing into NATO air space. VOA Pentagon correspondent Carla Babb caught up with members of the Italian Air Force as they practiced how to intercept threats entering Romania.
Videographer: Mary Cieslak.
Most Impactful Articles February 2022 - February 2023
February 22, 2022
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Human Rights Expert: Myanmar Junta Using Weapons from Russia and China Against Civilians
UN special rapporteur Tom Andrews calls on UN Security Council to convene emergency meeting to vote on a a resolution for member states to impose arms embargo on Myanmar.
February 24, 2022
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Moscow Warns Russians Against Staging Anti-War Protests
Authorities say they are responding to social media calls to rally against Putin's decision to attack Ukraine.
February 25, 2022
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Putin's Gamble on Ukraine May Be Anything but Crazy
Current, former intelligence officials, experts warn that some of the Russian leader's recent behavior may be somewhat uncharacteristic, but writing him off would be a mistake.
February 27, 2022
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Has China Turned its Back on 'Best Friend' Russia?
Ukraine is a stress test for China.
March 5, 2022
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American Veterans Volunteer to Fight in Ukraine
Ukraine's embassy in Washington says 3,000 Americans have offered to join an international brigade to resist Russia's aggression.
March 12, 2022
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Clouds Over Merkel's Legacy as Russian Invasion Lays Bare Flaws
Some wonder if her detente policies with Putin have left Germany, and Europe, vulnerable.
April 13, 2022
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State Media: Russian Warship 'Seriously Damaged' in Explosion
Ukrainian official earlier said Moskva was hit by two missiles but did not give evidence.
June 1, 2022
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Sanctioned Russian Oligarch's Megayacht Hides in a UAE Creek
In the sheikhdom of the United Arab Emirates, one of the world's largest yachts sits in a quiet port — so far avoiding the fate of other luxury vessels linked to sanctioned Russian oligarchs.
June 3, 2022
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At 100 Days, Russia-Ukraine War by the Numbers
Relentless shelling, bombing and airstrikes have reduced large swaths of many cities and towns to rubble.
July 24, 2022
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Russian Official Admits to Missile Strike on Odesa
Ukraine says damage not significant, preparing to restart grain exports.
August 31, 2022
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India and China to Take Part in Joint Military Drills with Russia
India and China are among several countries taking part in Russia’s weeklong joint military drills scheduled to get under way on Thursday in the east of the country, according to Russia’s state-owned news agency Tass.
October 4, 2022
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America's Biggest Ship Deploys in North Atlantic Amid Looming Russian Threat
Carrier strike group marks largest partner show of force in the Atlantic since World War II.
November 1, 2022
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Ukraine's 58th Brigade in the Heart of the Bakhmut Mire
Since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February, Bakhmut is said to be one of the longest and most lethal battlefields for both sides.
November 14, 2022
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Zambia Student Serving Prison Term in Russia Dies at Ukrainian Battlefront
As Russia has struggled in its war against Ukraine, reports from Russia indicate authorities have been recruiting troops from prisons.
November 21, 2022
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WHO Warns of 'Life-Threatening' Winter in Ukraine
Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant safe for now, IAEA says.
January 4, 2023
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Britain Says Russia May Have Stored Ammunition at Site of Barracks Attack
Moscow says death toll has risen to 89 from Ukrainian attack on military quarters in Makiivka in the Moscow-controlled parts of the Donetsk region.
February 1, 2023
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Q&A: Russia’s Nuclear Weapons More Effective as Propaganda, Retired US Lieutenant General Says
Retired Army Lieutenant General Ben Hodges says Russia's nuclear weapons are useful only when President Vladimir Putin threatens to use them.
February 12, 2023
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UK: Russia Suffers Highest Rate of Casualties Since First Week of Invasion
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy praises power workers for repairs made to energy systems after Russian missile and drone attacks Friday.
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