How Russia prepared for the invasion of Ukraine

The full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia on February 24, 2022, was not a spontaneous decision. It was preceded by months of military preparation, diplomatic maneuvers, and an information campaign aimed at masking true intentions. The reconstruction of this timeline shows that the aggression was planned in advance, and public denials served as a cover for the concentration of forces.

Autumn 2021: troop buildup

Starting from autumn 2021, satellite images from commercial companies, including Maxar Technologies, and intelligence data from Western countries recorded a massive concentration of Russian troops, equipment, and field hospitals near the Ukrainian borders and on the territory of Belarus. The scale of the deployment significantly exceeded regular exercises.

• The redeployment of armored vehicles, artillery, and air defense systems to the borders.
• The deployment of field hospitals and fuel supplies are signs of preparation for combat actions.
• The buildup of forces in Belarus under the pretext of joint exercises.

Diplomacy of denial

Alongside military preparations, the Russian leadership publicly and persistently denied the existence of invasion plans, calling reports from Western countries 'hysteria' and 'provocation.' This rhetoric created an informational cover and complicated a consolidated response from the international community.

NATO's ultimatum in December 2021

In December 2021, Russia published draft treaties with the US and NATO that contained ultimatum demands. Among them were a refusal to further expand the alliance, guarantees that Ukraine would not join NATO, and the withdrawal of alliance infrastructure to the borders of 1997. These demands were deliberately unacceptable and, according to many analysts, served not so much as a subject for negotiations as a pretext for subsequent escalation.

Why the requirements were unachievable

• They contradicted the right of states to independently choose alliances.
• They affected the sovereign decisions of third countries without their participation.
• Their acceptance would mean a revision of the architecture of European security under pressure.

Recognition of the 'DPR' and 'LPR'

On February 21, 2022, Russia officially recognized the 'independence' of the self-proclaimed 'Donetsk' and 'Luhansk People's Republics' and announced the deployment of troops there under the guise of 'peacekeepers'. This step directly violated the Minsk agreements and became a direct prologue to full-scale aggression.

Invasion on February 24, 2022

Early in the morning on February 24, 2022, Russia began a full-scale invasion from several directions — from the north (from Belarus towards Kyiv), from the east, and from the south (from occupied Crimea). Missile strikes were carried out on cities and military infrastructure across the country. This became the largest military aggression in Europe since World War II.

International reaction

On March 2, 2022, the UN General Assembly adopted resolution ES-11/1, demanding an immediate cessation of aggression and the withdrawal of Russian troops. 141 countries voted in favor of the resolution. The International Criminal Court began an investigation, and in 2023 issued an arrest warrant for the top leadership of Russia in connection with war crimes.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Russia start preparing for the invasion of Ukraine?
Preparations began in the fall of 2021: satellite images and intelligence data recorded a massive concentration of Russian troops at the borders of Ukraine and on the territory of Belarus.

Did Russia deny plans for invasion?
Yes. Alongside military preparations, the Russian leadership publicly denied any plans for an attack, calling the warnings from Western countries a provocation.

What demands did Russia make before the invasion?
In December 2021, Moscow demanded that NATO refrain from expansion, guarantee that Ukraine would not join the alliance, and withdraw its infrastructure to the borders of 1997 — conditions that were clearly unacceptable.

How did the international community react to the invasion?
On March 2, 2022, the UN General Assembly adopted resolution ES-11/1, condemning the aggression with 141 votes in favor; the International Criminal Court began an investigation and in 2023 issued an arrest warrant for the Russian leadership.

Sources: UN General Assembly resolution ES-11/1 (un.org), International Criminal Court — ICC (icc-cpi.int), Maxar Technologies (maxar.com), UN Human Rights Office — OHCHR (ohchr.org)

The material is informational and analytical in nature and is based on data from official international organizations. The figures are provided with references to sources. Updated: July 6, 2026. Edited by MegaInet.art.