In the last 20 years, Vladimir Putin's Russia has invaded Georgia and Ukraine, leading to the occupation of territories within these sovereign nations. These actions, which commenced with large-scale military incursions, have significantly reshaped the geopolitical landscape and resulted in enduring international conflict.
Countries Invaded by Russia Under Putin (2004-2024)
Since 2004, Russia has initiated full-scale military invasions or significantly escalated existing conflicts in two neighboring countries, leading to the prolonged occupation of their territories. These invasions mark a significant shift in international relations, demonstrating a willingness to use military force to achieve strategic objectives.
The table below summarizes the countries invaded and the territories subsequently occupied:
Country | Year of Invasion/Significant Escalation | Occupied Territories |
---|---|---|
Georgia | 2008 | Abkhazia, South Ossetia |
Ukraine | 2014, 2022 | Crimea, parts of Luhansk Oblast, parts of Donetsk Oblast, parts of Zaporizhzhia Oblast, parts of Kherson Oblast |
The Invasion of Georgia (2008)
The 2008 Russo-Georgian War marked Russia's first major military conflict with a post-Soviet state within the last 20 years. Following escalating tensions and skirmishes, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Georgia in August 2008. The conflict, though brief, resulted in significant territorial changes.
- Key Occupied Regions:
- Abkhazia: This region declared independence in the early 1990s and has since been supported by Russia. The 2008 conflict cemented Russian military presence and recognition of its independence, which is largely unrecognized by the international community.
- South Ossetia: Similar to Abkhazia, South Ossetia also sought independence from Georgia. The 2008 invasion led to Russia's recognition of its independence and established a significant Russian military presence.
The invasion led to a ceasefire, but Russian forces have maintained a presence in these regions, effectively occupying them despite international condemnation. For more information, see the Russo-Georgian War.
The Invasions of Ukraine (2014 & 2022)
Russia's invasions of Ukraine represent the most extensive and prolonged military conflicts in Europe since World War II. These aggressions occurred in two distinct phases within the specified timeframe.
2014: Annexation of Crimea and War in Donbas
In early 2014, following a pro-Western revolution in Ukraine, Russia launched an operation to annex the Crimean Peninsula. This was quickly followed by covert and overt support for separatists in eastern Ukraine, leading to the war in the Donbas region.
- Key Occupied Regions from 2014:
- Crimea: Russia swiftly annexed the Crimean Peninsula in March 2014 after a controversial referendum, a move widely condemned as illegal by the international community. More details can be found on the Annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation page.
- Parts of Luhansk Oblast and Donetsk Oblast: In the eastern regions of Ukraine, often referred to as the Donbas, Russia backed self-proclaimed "people's republics." This led to years of armed conflict and the de facto control of significant portions of these oblasts by Russian-backed forces. For further reading, explore the War in Donbas.
2022: Full-Scale Invasion
In February 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, significantly escalating the conflict and attempting to seize control of large parts of the country, including the capital, Kyiv. While the initial push on Kyiv failed, Russia successfully occupied additional territories in the south and east.
- Key Occupied Regions from 2022:
- Parts of Zaporizhzhia Oblast: During the 2022 invasion, Russian forces occupied significant portions of Zaporizhzhia Oblast, including the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.
- Parts of Kherson Oblast: Kherson city was the only regional capital captured by Russia in the 2022 invasion, though Ukrainian forces have since liberated parts of the oblast, including the city itself.
The 2022 invasion led to widespread destruction, displacement, and an ongoing conflict that continues to draw international attention and support for Ukraine. Further information is available on the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.
These invasions underscore Russia's assertive foreign policy and its willingness to challenge the sovereignty and territorial integrity of neighboring states through military force within the last two decades.