Ukraine crisis Time line

NOV 2021

Satellite imagery shows a new build-up of Russian troops on the border with Ukraine, and Kyiv says Moscow has mobilised 100,000 soldiers along with tanks and other military hardware.

Dec 7, 2021

US President Joe Biden warns Russia of sweeping Western economic sanctions if it invades Ukraine.

JAN 3, 2022

Biden reassures Zelenskyy that the US will "respond decisively" if Russia invades Ukraine.

JAN 28, 2022

Putin says Russia's main security demands have not been addressed but that Moscow is ready to continue with talks.

FEB 1, 2022

Putin denies planning an invasion and accuses the US of ignoring his country's security demands.

FEB 6, 2022

Russia has established 70 percent of the military build-up it needs to launch a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

FEB 12, 2022

Biden and Putin hold talks via video conference.  Putin complains in the call that the US and Nato have not responded satisfactorily to Russian demands.

FEB 14, 2022

Pentagon spokesman John Kirby warns that Putin was boosting military capability near Ukraine's border with each passing day.

FEB 21, 2022

Putin recognises two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine, Donetsk and Luhansk, as independent entities and then orders Russian troops to "maintain peace" there.

FEB 22, 2022

US, EU, UK Japan, Australia announce sanctions against Russia, including steps to starve the country of financing.

FEB 23, 2022

Ukraine's parliament votes to approve a national state of emergency in response to the threat of a Russian invasion.

FEB 24, 2022

Russian forces unleash an attack on Ukraine, as Putin demands the neighbouring country's army lay down its weapons.