In 2014 and without provocation, Russia attacked and annexed the Donbas and Crimea regions of Ukraine, igniting a regional war in Europe. After nearly a year of amassing a large military force on Ukraine’s border, and despite months of denying its intentions, Russia attacked its peaceful neighbor in February, 2022. Thus began Europe’s largest conflict since the Second World War. President Vladimir Putin anticipated it would only take a couple weeks to subjugate this small nation. However, nearly 4 years have passed since then, and Ukraine – backed by massive weapons shipments from the United States and other Western nations has turned the tables on its aggressor. This war has taken tens of thousands of lives on both sides, decimated the Russian Armed forces, and caused Europe’s largest humanitarian and refugee crisis in 80 years, displacing 8 million Ukrainians.


In 2025, the Russian army made tactical advances, capturing several villages, but without achieving any dramatic breakthroughs. These gains came at an immense cost in manpower, with Russia estimated to be losing 100–150 troops for every square kilometer gained. Russia's summer 2025 offensive in the Donbas region was described as a strategic failure by some analysts, with massive losses of personnel and equipment for minimal gains. The war has also sparked a global food crisis, a spike in energy prices, and the fear of Russia resorting to the use nuclear weapons. Ukraine will face a massive rebuilding effort once this conflict is resolved.

Pending Legislation: H.R.2913 - Ukraine Support Act
Sponsor: Rep. Gregory Meeks (NY)
Status: Referred to the House Committees on Foreign Affairs, Transportation and Infrastructure, Intelligence (Permanent Select), Ways and Means, Rules, the Judiciary, Financial Services, Armed Services, and the Budget, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker
House Speaker: Speaker Mike Johnson (LA)