Some key moments since conflict began

2022

Feb 24: Russia launches its special military operation in Ukraine.

March 13: Around $300 billion out of $640 billion that Russia had in its gold and forex reserves is frozen by the US and its allies.

Early April: The world is shocked after media reports state that at least 400 people, including children, were found dead in Bucha, a town outside Kyiv.

May 18: Finland, Sweden submit official applications to join NATO.

May 20: Russian forces take control of key Azov port city Mariupol.

July 22: Russia, Ukraine separately sign a deal with Turkiye and the United Nations on grain exports.

Sept 26: Nord Stream pipeline explosions occur off the Baltic island of Bornholm.

Oct 8: A truck laden with explosives blows up on the bridge linking Crimea to Russia's mainland.

2023

Feb 20: US President Joe Biden makes a surprise visit to Kyiv.

Feb 24: China releases a 12-point position paper outlining its stance on the crisis, urging the two sides to enter into peace negotiations.

April 4: Finland becomes the 31st member of the NATO.

May 16-17: Li Hui, China's special representative on Eurasian affairs, visits Ukraine.

June 16-17: Leaders from seven African nations visit Ukraine and Russia on a peace mission.

July 7: The US announces it had approved the transfer of cluster munitions to Ukraine.

2024

Feb 7: Sweden ends its investigation into the sabotage of Nord Stream pipelines, but fails to pinpoint any culprits.

Feb 8: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appoints Oleksandr Syrsky as commander in chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, replacing Valery Zaluzhny.

Feb 17: Russia takes full control of Avdiivka town near Donetsk — the biggest win for Russian forces since they seized Bakhmut in May 2023.

Xinhua - Agencies