Getty ImagesThe Story Russia has boots on the ground in Ukraine. I heard.Yesterday, Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed his troops had made their way into Ukraine. The Russian Defense Ministry claimed missiles and airstrikes had destroyed more than 70 Ukrainian military targets. And Ukrainian officials say that Russian forces seized control of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. But why is Putin doing this?That’s the million-dollar question. Which we break down here. But TLDR: Ukraine was part of the Soviet Union before it collapsed in 1991. In recent years, Ukraine’s pro-Western leaders have tried to move the democratic country away from Putin’s grip and towards NATO membership (which it doesn't have yet). But Putin’s long believed that Moscow’s got a claim to Ukraine. And has even described Ukrainians and Russians as “one people.” Many believe Putin’s gunning for the return of the Soviet Union. And that he’s been chipping away at this goal for years. Can I get more info on that?Here’s the sparknotes: In 2014, tensions were high in Ukraine after pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych put a trade pact with the EU on hold. Ukrainians took to the streets and ousted him. In protest, and after having lost their ally, pro-Russian separatists (backed by the Kremlin) took over gov buildings in Crimea (an autonomous region in southern Ukraine). And helped Moscow formally annex (aka plant a Russian flag in) Crimea. And since then?A Kremlin-backed leader has been put in place. But Crimea was never Putin’s only goal. There’s also Belarus (which is a story for another time). And the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine (comprised of Donetsk and Luhansk) — where conflict between pro-Russia separatists and Ukraine has been ongoing for the last eight years. This week, Putin recognized Donetsk and Luhansk as independent states. And used it as a pretext to send in "peacekeepers" (cough, Russian troops, cough) to the region. And begin the invasion. What’s the latest?Ukrainian officials say Kyiv is under bombardment as Russian forces advance. Over 130 Ukrainians have died – and hundreds are injured. Air raid sirens are still screaming. Ukrainian airspace was closed and roads blocked. People are sheltering in subway stations. (Hear from a journalist on the ground here.) Russian forces are closing in on the capital, Kyiv. Some fear they will try to topple the government. But Ukrainians aren’t backing down. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says the country “won’t give up its freedom.” And the rest of the world…Is watching it unfold. President Biden said “Putin chose this war” and would suffer the consequences. A sentiment felt by thousands of Russians, who protested their leader’s actions. Biden also announced he’s deploying an additional 7,000 troops to help defend NATO allies. But reiterated he will not send US boots into Ukraine. And he doubled down on “severe sanctions” the US, the G7, and EU countries will impose against Russia. theSkimmAfter years of hinting at it — whether through direct threats or disinformation campaigns — and despite some of his citizens’ wishes, Putin is now steps away from seizing Ukraine. Many are saying peace in Europe is coming to an end. And millions of Ukrainiansare at risk of being caught in thecrossfire. Here’s how you can help. Skimm More: Have more questions about the invasion? We answer your big Qs about Russia's attack on Ukraine here. And if you need to catch up with how this all started, check here. | 