Within the warfare’s early weeks, Russia superior from the north, east, and south, quickly seizing huge areas of Ukrainian territory.
Kyiv, Irpin and Bucha
Russian forces closely shelled Irpin, a key gateway to Kyiv, in an try and breach the capital’s defences, leaving a lot of town’s residential areas and infrastructure in ruins.
On February 25, Ukrainian forces intentionally destroyed the bridge over the Irpin River to hinder the Russian advance in direction of Kyiv.
In the meantime, in Bucha, the Russian occupation lasted a number of weeks. It was solely after Russian forces retreated from the realm that the true extent of what occurred in Bucha was revealed, with streets strewn with the our bodies of killed civilians, many with their fingers certain.
Mariupol
The siege of Mariupol, a key southern port and industrial hub, started on the primary day of Russia’s full-scale invasion. By early March, town was utterly encircled, trapping civilians and defenders. The Mariupol Drama Theatre, a chosen shelter for civilians, was destroyed in a March 16 air assault. Ukrainian forces mounted a final stand on the Azovstal metal plant as Russian troops intensified their assault, besieging the sprawling industrial advanced with heavy artillery and air assaults earlier than lastly seizing management in Might 2022.
The siege of Mariupol was one of many deadliest and most damaging battles of the warfare. Ukrainian officers estimated tens of 1000’s of civilian deaths, whereas Ukraine, the United Nations, and different worldwide organisations accused Russia of warfare crimes.
Zaporizhia
Russian forces seized the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Energy Plant, the most important in Europe, within the Zaporizhia area in March 2022 after intense combating. On March 4, 2022, Russian troops attacked the plant, resulting in worldwide fears of a nuclear catastrophe. Although the reactors weren’t hit, shelling precipitated fires and harm to auxiliary buildings.
Since then, Russia has maintained management over the plant, turning it right into a army stronghold. Regardless of repeated calls from the Worldwide Atomic Power Company (IAEA), security considerations persist, as shelling and energy outages proceed to threaten nuclear stability within the area.
By April, Russia managed 27 p.c of Ukraine, but fierce resistance stalled its advance, turning the warfare into a chronic battle.