**Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Ongoing Developments**.
**Recent Events**.
* **February 24, 2022:** Russia launches a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, targeting major cities across the country..
* **March 2, 2022:** Russian forces seize control of Kherson, marking the first major city to fall..
* **March 16, 2022:** Russian airstrikes target a theater in Mariupol, killing hundreds of civilians..
* **April 2, 2022:** Russian troops withdraw from the Kyiv region, focusing their efforts on eastern Ukraine..
* **May 16, 2022:** Ukrainian forces launch a counteroffensive in the Kharkiv region, retaking several towns..
**Diplomatic Efforts**.
* **February 24, 2022:** UN Security Council condemns Russia’s invasion and demands an immediate withdrawal..
* **March 10, 2022:** First round of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine held in Belarus..
* **March 29, 2022:** Second round of peace talks held in Turkey..
* **April 21, 2022:** Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov accuses Ukraine of hindering peace talks..
* **May 18, 2022:** Finland and Sweden apply to join NATO, a move condemned by Russia..
**Humanitarian Crisis**.
* **Over 5 million Ukrainian refugees have fled to neighboring countries.**.
* **Thousands of civilians have been killed or injured in the conflict.**.
* **Millions of Ukrainians are facing food, water, and medical shortages.**.
* **Humanitarian organizations are struggling to reach those in need.**.
**Economic Impact**.
* **Russia faces severe sanctions from Western nations, including economic penalties and restrictions on oil and gas exports.**.
* **Ukraine’s economy has been devastated by the war, with infrastructure destroyed and businesses disrupted.**.
* **Global energy and food prices have risen, putting pressure on economies worldwide.**.
* **The war is expected to have a significant impact on global economic growth.**.
**International Reactions**.
* **Western nations have condemned Russia’s invasion and are providing military and financial support to Ukraine.**.
* **China has maintained a neutral stance, calling for a diplomatic resolution.**.
* **India has avoided taking sides, balancing its relations with both Russia and the West.**.
* **The conflict has raised concerns about the future of European security and the global order.**.
**Additional Developments**.
* **May 9, 2022:** Russian President Putin claims victory in Mariupol..
* **May 10, 2022:** Ukrainian President Zelenskyy vows to continue fighting and retake all occupied territories..
* **May 12, 2022:** Azovstal steel plant, the last Ukrainian stronghold in Mariupol, surrenders to Russian forces..
* **May 18, 2022:** Finnish Parliament approves NATO membership application..
* **May 19, 2022:** Sweden’s ruling party endorses NATO membership..
The conflict in Ukraine remains ongoing, with intense fighting and humanitarian suffering continuing. The full extent of the war’s impact on Ukraine, Russia, Europe, and the world remains to be seen..
