In the early hours of Feb.

24, 2022, after months of posturing and dangers, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered his forces to launch a full-blown assault on Ukraine from both Russian area and that of its ally Belarus.

Marked by Russias positive forecasts that Kyiv would fall to Moscow within days, the war that followed has for Moscow become one of the biggest military embarrassments in contemporary history, while the Ukrainian army, boosted by modern weapons provided by lots of allies around the world, has defied predictions and revealed itself to be a fighting force to be reckoned with.

But as Russias forces moved their focus eastward in the face of stiff resistance and obstacles, they left a trail of death and destruction in their wake.To mark the first anniversary of the ongoing war, we have a look back at the crucial events of the conflict up until now: the bloodiest fights, the most unforeseen reversals, the worst atrocities, and the standout military and human triumphs that have actually defined it.