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.

Russia destroys the only Antonov AN-225, world's largest plane, during its invasion of Ukraine

Ukraine named the Antonov AN-225 aircraft as “Mriya” or “Dream.” An enormous aircraft, it was powered by six engines and had attained a cult status. It was undergoing repairs at an airfield near Kyiv when the "Russian occupants" attacked and damaged it. The authorities in Ukraine want to rebuild it and says Russia would have to foot the bill of around $3 billion USD. The restoration would require over five years. Ukrainian state defense company Ukroboronprom, manages the Antonov AN-225 and it has been in service for more than three decades ever since the days of the Soviet Union. The incident has affected Ukraine's aviation and air cargo sectors.


The AN-225 has played important roles to help airlift aid during crises in other countries. After the Haiti earthquake of 2010, it delivered relief supplies to the neighboring Dominican Republic. In the initial days of the Covid-19 pandemic, the aircraft ferried medical supplies to affected areas. Until now, the Kiev-based Antonov Company built only one AN-225. Its first flight was in 1988 and has been in service ever since. The story of this marvelous aircraft began in the 1960 and '70s. It stemmed from a need to transport large and heavy loads from their places of assembly to the Baikonur Cosmodrome. This was the sprawling spaceport in the deserts of Kazakhstan. It was from here that Yuri Gagarin was launched into space in 1961.
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edition.cnn.com dated 28/2/2022