Russia-Ukraine war into its 23rd day

When Russia invaded Ukraine, it had presumed that it would be a cakewalk to conquer it. However, resistance offered by the people of Ukraine has forced the invader to rethink its strategies. Vladimir Putin, President of Russia, had justified his action by saying that modern, Western-leaning Ukraine was a constant threat and Russia could not feel "safe, develop and exist." This is reported by The BBC. Ukraine became independent in 1991 after the collapse of the Soviet Union. It has gradually tried to align with the West - both the EU and NATO. The war has gone on for 23 days with destruction of properties, loss of lives and displacement of millions of innocents. Those who once had homes became homeless and are now refugees.

Putin described the war as a "special military operation." Russia initially had plans to overrun Ukraine and depose its government. The intention was to ensure that it did not join the Western defensive alliance NATO. The Russian President had said there was no plan to occupy Ukraine but subsequent events revealed a different picture. The BBC says the bombardment continues. Peace talks tend to suggest Russia is no longer seeking to overthrow the government but will try for a neutral Ukraine.