The conflict between Russia and Ukraine can be traced back to the Ukrainian revolution of 2014, which resulted in the ousting of Ukraine's pro-Russian president Viktor Yanukovych. Following his removal, Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine, citing concerns for the safety of Russian speakers in the region. Ukraine, the United States, and several other countries viewed this action as a violation of international law.
In the years since the annexation, there have been ongoing tensions and fighting between Russian-backed separatists in the eastern regions of Ukraine and Ukrainian government forces. The conflict has resulted in thousands of deaths and displaced millions of people.
Russia has been accused of providing military support to the separatists and of sending its own troops into Ukraine, which Russia has denied. The conflict has also been complicated by economic, cultural, and political factors, including Ukraine's desire for closer ties with the West and Russia's desire to maintain influence in the region.
Efforts to resolve the conflict through negotiations have so far been unsuccessful, and the situation remains tense.