Timeline of Russia-Ukraine crisis: Why did conflict start? What is United States' role?

Amid escalating tensions along international borders of Russia and Ukraine, it is of vital importance that one comprehends ongoing issue as a protracted conflict that began in February 2014. While experts comment  face-off is a built-up that was prevalent since Cold War era between US and Soviet Union, contemporary political analysts perceive it as a residual of regional hegemony of Russia, despite dissolution of Union of Soviet Socialist Republic (USSR) in 1991. 

Ukraine has come down to what it is today after country's centuries-old history of Russian dominance, thus breaking country into two denominations. Ukraine is divided amongst people who perceive Ukraine as a part of Europe and those who see it intrinsically connected to Russia.

Russia-Ukraine conflict explained

Pursuing a convenient version of doctrine on 'limited sovereignty', Russia continues to exist in Ukraine's sphere of influence despite latter's independence in 1991. Critics say that this association was proof that Ukraine's autonomy and ties with or countries were not greater than that of Warsaw Pact as under Cold War era.

Based on statements by n Russian leers, it was concluded that Russia was fearful of Ukraine's 'possible' integration with NATO which would amount to a threat to Russia's national security and integrity to an extent.

It is pertinent to mention here that relations between Ukraine and NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation) commenced in 1992 while apprehensions on Russian invasion prevailed.

What is Warsaw Pact and NATO?

In May 1955 and amid Cold War era, Soviet Union and seven or Eastern bloc nations of Central and Eastern Europe signed a collective defence treaty as a reaction to creation of NATO.

NATO and Warsaw Pact did not engage in a war against each or while US and USSR along with ir respective allies enacted policies for  respective containment in Europe. Meanwhile, allies and two superpowers were fighting for influence on global sphere during Cold War. 

On or hand, NATO is an intergovernmental military alliance between 27 European countries, 2 North American nations and 1 Eurasian country. independent states have agreed to mutually defend as a retaliation to attack by an external body.

Notably, Ukraine was a part of Soviet Union until 1991 and is currently a country wedged between Russia and Europe. While country is not exhaustively free of Kremlin's tactics, its foreign policies over years have wavered between pro-Russia and pro-European Union.

Russia-Ukraine conflict timeline

Here is a timeline of relevant series of events that brought Russia and Ukraine to showdown as of today.

• Ukraine applies to initiate ties with NATO in 2008 
• In 2010, n Ukraine President Yanukovych shelved intention and retained country's non-alignment status 
• In 2012, Ukraine & European Union initiate 'Association Agreement' for integration 
• In 2013, n Ukraine Foreign Affairs Minister said, "Russians simply cannot believe Ukraine-EU's association would come true'. 
• In August 2013, Russia starts to modify ties with Ukraine, customs hindered all imports from and export to Ukraine
• In November 2013, Ukraine calls off Association Agreement with EU, on account of worsened ties with CIS nations (a body comprising Eastern European nations and Central Asian countries). 
• Civil unrest ensued after protestors demanded communication and committee involvement with EU. 
• Russia backed  Yanukovych-led government for turning down EU integration, while US and EU supported protestors. 
• Anti-government protests toppled President Yanukovych government leing to Russia inving Crimea in March 2014. 
• In November 2014, Ukrainian military reported an 'intensive' movement of Russian troops into parts of Eastern Ukraine. AP h reported about 40 unmarked military vehicles in Ukraine territory. 
• In October 2015, Washington Post reported 'elite units' of Russian army in Ukraine. 
• Renewed conflict in 2016; Ukraine reported 'increased military' presence along Crimea border. 
• By July 2014, 30-4000 Russian troops continued to build up along Ukrainian border.
• On March 4, 2014, US pledges USD 1 billion in aid to Ukraine. 
• In 2018, Russia concludes construction of a bridge over Kerch Strait, thus obstructing waterways to Ukraine and obstructing ships' trait.
• In November 2021, satellite imagery shows a fresh build-up of Russian troops along Ukraine border
• On December 7 2021, Joe Biden and Vlimir Putin engage in telephonic conversation for 'two hours' wherein US President mentioned that he would put sanctions on Russia if Kremlin urged its forces to enter Ukraine. 
• On December 17 2021, Russia demands NATO deny membership to Ukraine and or ex-Soviet nations. Furr, Kremlin demanded that NATO ceased all military activity in Ukraine as well as eastern Europe.
• Joe Biden assures Ukrainian President Zelensky that US will 'respond decisively' if Russia attempts an annexation
• On January 10, 2022, US and Russian officials meet in Geneva for diplomatic talks but talks remained unresolved as Moscow continued being amant on security demands.
• US delivers a written reply to Putin while offering a 'principled and pragmatic response' to Russia's demands
• China intrudes by saying that US should pay heed to Moscow's 'legitimate security concerns'. 
• President Zelensky urges West to avoid creating a 'panic' while Putin stated that he is rey to continue talking as his demands are not dressed yet. 
• US Ambassor to UN Linda Thomas dresses council session saying that Russian invasion of Ukraine will be a 'threat to global security'. 
• On February 1, Putin denies having plans to annex Ukraine. "It is alrey clear that fundamental Russian concerns ended up being ignored," Putin said. 
• French President Macron tells reporters that Russia will not flare up Ukrainian crisis after in-person talks with Putin. However, Kremlin denies assurance saying, "in current situation, Moscow and Paris cannot be reaching any deals."
• February 11, US national security visor Jake Sullivan warns against Russia's ever-increasing military build-up along with Ukraine.
• US warns of an invasion before Beijing Olympics ends on February 20. 
• On February 11, Pentagon ordered 3,000 troops to Poland, pushing total to 5,000 of reinforcements sent to Europe in past three weeks.
• On February 12, Biden and Putin hold a virtual meeting wherein US President said that Ukrainian invasion would cause 'widespre human suffering' while Russia claimed US and NATO did not redress Kremlin's demands satisfactorily. Furr, Russia urged Ukraine to cease ties with NATO and US was asked to disengage military associations in eastern Europe. 

While US has vowed to uphold Ukraine’s sovereignty and has even deployed troops in eastern Europe to back NATO forces, senior ministration official noted that it remains “unclear” if Russia is interested in pursuing its goals diplomatically or “through use of force”.