Putin's war on Ukraine, explained

Correction, March 3, 2022: A previous version of this video stated that NATO was brought to Russia's borders for the “first time” in 2004 when Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania joined NATO. That was incorrect because Norway shares a border with Russia and has been in NATO since 1949. We’ve corrected that line at 3:36 to emphasize the importance of former Soviet republics on Russia's border joining NATO for the first time. We've also clarified that this is one of Europe's largest wars since World War II. We value your feedback in the comments and appreciate you bringing these points to our attention.

The worst thing about war is that civilians are the ones who suffer the most, there are many children who didn't expect to experience such a situation

“In war the politicians give ammunition, the rich give the food and the poor give their children… When the war is over the politicians get back the leftover ammunition, the rich grow more food and the poor search for the graves of their children.” -Serbian Saying

"I have decided to do a "special military operation" in Ukraine, not an invasion, and whoever thinks that this is a invasion shall be prosecuted" lol

Please explain the Minsk Accord agreement. What both nations agreed and what was the state of implementation on both sides before the war

Correction: At 3:36, we say that NATO was brought to Russia's borders for the first time in 2004 when Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania joined NATO. That's inaccurate because Norway shares a small border with Russia and has been in NATO since 1949. But 2004 is significant because it marked the first time that former Soviet republics on Russia's border joined NATO.

I appreciate Vox putting up sources throughout the video, it should be a practice all media should practice

Thank you so much for this video. I just finished a historical fictional series about a family in WWII and then somehow the topic of the war in Ukraine came up with my 9 and 7 yr olds. So we searched and found this video. I love how simply and clearly it explained concepts that even they could understand. And I am so grateful to have a better understanding of this history. It makes so much more sense now. Thank you thank you for your work on this.

You forgot to mention that NATO agreed with Russia that Nato will not move or expand eastward

I am against war but I just wish that the world had reacted the same way towards Syria, Yemen and Palestine.

"Only the dead have seen the End of War". - Plato "War is Old men talking and Young men dying." - Victor Praiz

BTW, this may be a small point, to speed up the video a bit, but here's something many in the west don't get about the 2013 protests: when Yanukovich declined to sign the EU deal, maybe a 1000 people (mostly students) took to the streets. when he brutally cracked down on those students, that's when hundreds of thousands joined them, this time demanding he leave the post. the display of dictatorship was the real reason for the scale of the protest, not so much the EU deal.

Thank you. I was wondering what was going in Ukraine and why but you helped me understand it. Thank you.

As a Georgian, my heart aches for our brothers and sisters in Ukraine. This pain is far too familiar to us and we pray it stops soon. We are also terrified we’re next…

I would've definitely appreciated a much longer more in-depth video. There is so much going on that wasn't discussed, such as Russia's economic decline, why Ukraine held off on joining NATO and the EU for so long, Ukraine's terrible economic state, the current economic sanctions Russia is facing, just to name a few. Very entertaining and great video otherwise.

Simplest answer Russia dont want Ukraine to be the part of the West - EU, Nato etc.

Today is the 1st year anniversary of the war, sadly this war has not come to an end yet, all of the deaths and tragedies will continue because of a one man's abrupt and nonsensical decision. Salute to all Ukrainian soldiers who died beliving in the spirit of spreading that sunflower 🌻🇺🇦 Respect to all Russian soldiers who got drafted unwillingly, may you enjoy freedom in the afterlife 🙏 Slava Ukraini! 🇺🇦

One thing that rather bothers me is that people keep mentioning that "this is the largest war since WWII". It is a very large and dangerous conflict, but have you all forgotten Yugoslavia 30 odd years ago?

I’m Russian and even in my wildest nightmares I couldn't imagine this war. Almost none of my friends supports this “military operation”. We were forced to leave the country, because no one feels safe anymore. Our economy is collapsing and unfortunately Russians are perceived as enemies abroad. We are not enemies. We want prosperity and cooperation with the rest of the world, not a life of fear and exile as after the 1917 revolution.

Excellent video briefly and clearly explaining the whole story of the ongoing tragedy.