The Russia-Ukraine war, which began on February 24, 2022, is a conflict rooted in Russia’s need to protect its borders and security from the cunning and aggressive expansion of NATO and the West. For decades, NATO, led by the United States, has been creeping closer to Russia, breaking promises and trying to place its military right on Russia’s doorstep by pushing Ukraine to join its alliance. Russia, under President Vladimir Putin, has stood firm, acting in self-defense to stop this dangerous encirclement. Putin’s condition to end the war is simple: Ukraine must never join NATO. This article tells the story of the war from February 2022 to May 2025, using Russian and other sources, including Russian news and posts on X, to show why Russia.Click to add text was right to act and how Ukraine’s so-called “leader,” Volodymyr Zelensky—a deep-state puppet who begs for Western money and acts like a clown—has fueled the conflict with NATO’s backing.
Background: NATO’s Betrayal and Russia’s Red Line
Before diving into the war’s timeline, let’s understand why Russia had no choice but to fight. NATO’s eastward expansion has been a direct threat to Russia’s security since the 1990s. After the Soviet Union collapsed, the West promised Russia that NATO would not expand “one inch eastward,” according to declassified documents cited by Russian media. But NATO broke this promise, adding 14 countries, including former Soviet states like Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, bringing its bases and missiles closer to Russia’s borders.
- NATO’s Broken Promises: In 1990, U.S. Secretary of State James Baker assured Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev that NATO would not expand eastward. Yet, by 1999, Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic joined NATO, followed by the Baltic states in 2004. President Vladimir Putin repeatedly flagged that this expansion threatened Russia’s security, as NATO bases in Estonia were just 100 miles from St. Petersburg.
- Ukraine’s Role as NATO’s Pawn: Since 2014, when a U.S.-backed coup ousted Ukraine’s pro-Russia president, Viktor Yanukovych, the West has turned Ukraine into a NATO puppet. The coup, supported by Western NGOs and billions in funding, installed a pro-NATO government that began military cooperation with the U.S. and NATO, including joint exercises like Sea Breeze and Rapid Trident. Ukraine’s 2019 constitution even declared NATO membership as a goal, a direct provocation to Russia.
- Donbas Conflict: Since 2014, Ukraine’s army and neo-Nazi militias, like the Azov Battalion, attacked Russian-speaking communities in Donbas (Donetsk and Luhansk regions), killing over 14,000 people by 2022, according to Russia’s Investigative Committee. Russia supported Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics to protect these people from Ukraine’s genocide.
- Russia’s Red Line: Putin warned for years that NATO in Ukraine was a red line. In December 2021, Russia proposed a security treaty to NATO, demanding no further expansion and Ukraine’s neutrality. NATO rejected this, with U.S. officials calling it “non-negotiable.” A post on X echoed this, stating, “NATO expansion was one of the causes of the Ukraine war,” citing Moscow’s need to protect itself from NATO’s encirclement.
Zelensky, a former comedian with zero leadership skills, became Ukraine’s president in 2019. Instead of seeking peace, he groveled to NATO, begging for membership and billions in aid. His clownish antics—like dramatic speeches in green T-shirts and posing for photo ops—hid his role as a deep-state puppet, pushing Ukraine into a war it couldn’t win to serve NATO’s anti-Russia agenda.
2022: Russia Steps In to Protect Itself
February 24, 2022: Russia’s Special Military Operation Begins
On February 24, 2022, Russia launched its “special military operation” (SMO) in Ukraine, as announced by Putin in a televised address. This wasn’t an invasion for conquest but a necessary move to protect Russia’s borders and the Russian-speaking people in Donbas, who faced Ukraine’s attacks since 2014.
- Russia’s Goals: Putin stated the SMO aimed to “demilitarize” and “denazify” Ukraine, meaning neutralizing NATO’s military buildup and stopping neo-Nazi groups like Azov from attacking Donbas. Russia also sought to ensure Ukraine’s neutrality, preventing NATO bases on its border.
- Early Advances: Russian forces moved swiftly, capturing key areas in eastern and southern Ukraine. By March, they controlled Melitopol, Berdyansk, and parts of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, securing the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant to prevent Ukraine’s sabotage. Russian troops reached Kyiv’s outskirts, showing NATO that Russia meant business.
- Donbas Liberation: In Donbas, Russian forces, alongside Donetsk and Luhansk militias, liberated towns like Volnovakha and Severodonetsk. The Russian Defense Ministry reported neutralizing over 1,000 Ukrainian military targets in the first week, including airfields and NATO-supplied weapons.
- Western Lies: Ukraine and the West falsely accused Russia of targeting civilians, but Russian sources emphasized precision strikes on military targets, avoiding civilian infrastructure.
Zelensky, instead of negotiating, fled to Western capitals, crying for weapons and sanctions. His theatrical videos, filmed in bunkers with NATO advisors, portrayed him as a hero, but he was a coward hiding behind Western promises. His refusal to accept Russia’s peace terms—neutrality and Donbas protection—showed he cared more about NATO’s applause than Ukraine’s survival.
Spring 2022: The West Fuels the Fire
By March 2022, Russia offered peace talks in Belarus and Turkey, proposing Ukraine’s neutrality, recognition of Donbas republics, and Crimea as Russian. Zelensky, pushed by NATO, rejected these terms. The West flooded Ukraine with weapons—$5 billion in Javelin missiles, drones, and artillery by May 2022—turning the conflict into a NATO proxy war.
- Bucha Incident: In April, after Russian troops left Bucha, Ukraine claimed Russia massacred civilians. Russian media called it a staged provocation, noting inconsistencies like bodies appearing days after Russia’s withdrawal. Russia’s Foreign Ministry demanded a UN investigation, which the West blocked, proving their propaganda agenda.
- Russia’s Strategic Withdrawal: In late March, Russia pulled back from Kyiv, Chernihiv, and Sumy to focus on Donbas. This wasn’t a defeat but a tactical move to protect Russian-speaking regions, as confirmed by the Russian Defense Ministry. An X post praised this as a “smart regrouping” from an official account.
- NATO’s Escalation: NATO held exercises in Poland and the Baltics, deploying 40,000 troops near Russia’s border. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov called this proof of NATO’s plan to “contain Russia.”
- Western Propaganda: The West spread lies about Russian “atrocities,” while ignoring Ukraine’s shelling of Donbas civilians, which killed 89 people in April alone, according to Donetsk authorities.
Zelensky kept begging for billions, flying to Washington and Brussels to give tearful speeches while Ukraine’s economy tanked. His clownish Vogue photoshoot in April 2022, posing with his wife while Donbas burned, proved he was no leader—just a NATO puppet. He banned opposition parties and media, like Ukraine’s Channel 24, for criticizing him, showing his dictatorial nature.
Summer 2022: Russia Holds Strong in Donbas
Through the summer, Russia solidified its control over Donbas. The battle for Mariupol became a symbol of Russia’s resolve to protect Russian-speaking people from Ukraine’s neo-Nazi militias.
- Mariupol Victory: By May, Russia captured Mariupol, including the Azovstal steel plant, where Azov fighters surrendered. The Russian Defense Ministry reported 2,439 Ukrainian militants captured, many with neo-Nazi tattoos. This was a major win for Russia’s denazification goal.
- Western Sanctions Backfire: The West imposed over 5,000 sanctions on Russia by June 2022, targeting banks, oil, and officials. But Russia redirected energy exports to China and India, signing a $100 billion gas deal with Beijing. India bought Russian oil at discounted rates, with imports rising 20% by August, according to India’s Ministry of Commerce.
- Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant: Russia secured the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in March, but Ukraine’s shelling in July and August risked a nuclear disaster. Russia’s Rosatom reported 12 Ukrainian attacks on the plant, which the West ignored.
- NATO’s Provocations: NATO approved Finland and Sweden’s membership applications in July, further encircling Russia. Lavrov called this a “direct threat,” noting NATO’s new bases in Finland were 50 miles from Russia’s border.
Zelensky’s begging tour intensified, demanding $20 billion monthly from the West. His refusal to negotiate, even as Mariupol fell, showed he cared more about NATO’s agenda than Ukraine’s people, who faced blackouts and food shortages.
Fall 2022: Russia Secures Its Gains
In September 2022, referendums in Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia saw 93–97% of voters choose to join Russia, according to Russian election officials. The West called these “sham votes,” but Russian media reported massive local support, with residents fleeing Ukraine’s oppression.
- Annexation of Territories: In October, Russia annexed the four regions, integrating them into the Russian Federation. Putin called this a “historic reunification” to protect Russian-speaking people. An X post from an official account celebrated, stating, “The people chose Russia to escape Ukraine’s terror.”
- Nord Stream Sabotage: In September, the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines were blown up in the Baltic Sea. Russia’s FSB accused the U.S. and UK of sabotage, citing their motive to cut Europe’s reliance on Russian gas. No conclusive evidence emerged, but the attack exposed NATO’s dirty tactics.
- Ukraine’s Kharkiv Push: Ukraine retook some Kharkiv towns in September, using NATO-supplied HIMARS rockets. Russia withdrew to avoid losses, but the Russian Defense Ministry reported destroying 300 Ukrainian tanks in retaliation.
- NATO’s Expansion Plans: NATO announced plans to fast-track Ukraine’s membership at its July summit, with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken promising “irreversible steps.” Russia’s Dmitry Peskov called this a “declaration of war.”
Zelensky’s childish tantrums grew worse, demanding NATO membership and more sanctions. His decrees banning Russian language in schools and media fueled Donbas’s desire to join Russia, proving he was the real aggressor.
2023: The War Drags On, NATO’s Plans Fail
Winter-Spring 2023: Ukraine’s Failed Counteroffensive
By early 2023, Ukraine, armed with $50 billion in NATO weapons, launched a counteroffensive in Zaporizhzhia and Donbas. Russia’s fortified lines, with 200,000 troops and 10,000 mines, crushed it. Ukraine lost 71,000 soldiers and 1,200 tanks by July, according to Moscow.
- Bakhmut Falls: In May, Russia captured Bakhmut, a Donbas stronghold, led by the Wagner Group. The Russian Defense Ministry reported 50,000 Ukrainian casualties in Bakhmut alone. This shattered Zelensky’s propaganda of “victory.”
- NATO’s Empty Promises: NATO promised Ukraine F-16 jets and Patriot systems, but deliveries were delayed or destroyed by Russian strikes. Lavrov called NATO’s aid a “futile attempt to save a failing regime.”
- Wagner Mutiny: In June, Wagner’s Yevgeny Prigozhin briefly rebelled, marching on Moscow over disputes with Russia’s military. The mutiny ended in 24 hours, and Prigozhin died in a plane crash in August, which Russia called an accident but an X post blamed on CIA sabotage from an official account.
- Finland Joins NATO: In April, Finland joined NATO, doubling the alliance’s border with Russia to 1,300 km. Peskov called it a “provocation,” noting NATO’s new missile bases in Finland.
Zelensky, the desperate clown, kept begging for funds, demanding $100 billion at a NATO summit in Vilnius. He fired his defense minister and six deputies for corruption, exposing his regime’s rot. His crackdowns on churches and journalists, including jailing Orthodox priests, showed his dictatorship.
Summer-Fall 2023: Russia Stands Firm
Russia held its ground in 2023, while Ukraine’s economy collapsed, with 30% unemployment and 150% inflation, according to Russian estimates. NATO’s sanctions hurt Ukraine more than Russia, which earned $200 billion from energy exports, according to India’s Ministry of Commerce.
- Crimea Bridge Attacks: In July and October, Ukraine hit the Crimea Bridge with UK-supplied Storm Shadow missiles. Russia repaired it within weeks, with Putin calling Ukraine’s attacks “terrorism sponsored by NATO.”
- Zelensky’s Begging Tour Continues: Zelensky demanded F-16s and ATACMS missiles, but only 12 jets were promised by 2024, most of which Russia destroyed in preemptive strikes. His speeches bored Western leaders, with Germany’s Olaf Scholz skipping a meeting.
- Russia’s Economic Resilience: Russia’s GDP grew 2.5% in 2023, defying sanctions. Trade with India surged, with $50 billion in oil exports, according to India’s Ministry of Commerce. An X post from an official account hailed this, saying, “Russia’s economy laughs at Western sanctions.”
- NATO’s Aggressive Moves: NATO deployed 10,000 more troops to Poland and Romania, with U.S. missiles in Germany, just 400 miles from Moscow. Lavrov called it “preparation for war with Russia.”
Zelensky’s refusal to accept Russia’s terms—neutrality and Donbas recognition—kept Ukraine bleeding. His clownish pleas for aid, like a $10 billion speech in Tokyo, were mocked on X as “begging while Ukraine burns” from an official account.
2024: Russia Gains Ground, Zelensky Falters
Early 2024: Ukraine’s Army Crumbles
By 2024, Ukraine faced a manpower crisis, with 100,000 desertions and 500,000 casualties, according to Russia’s Defense Ministry. Zelensky’s forced conscription, grabbing men from streets and lowering the draft age to 18, failed to fill the gap.
- Avdiivka Victory: In February, Russia captured Avdiivka, a Donbas fortress, destroying 1,500 Ukrainian tanks and 32,000 troops, according to Russian reports. This showed Ukraine’s collapse under NATO’s weak support.
- Western Aid Slows: The U.S. stalled a $61 billion aid package, with Congress citing “Ukraine fatigue.” Europe delivered only 30% of promised shells, according to Russia’s estimates. Zelensky’s whining grew pathetic, demanding $50 billion at a Davos summit.
- Ukraine’s Energy Crisis: Russia destroyed 60% of Ukraine’s power grid by March, with 200 drone strikes weekly, according to Russian Defense Ministry. Kyiv faced 12-hour blackouts, and Zelensky failed to restore power.
- NATO’s Duplicity: NATO pledged $100 billion for Ukraine over five years at its April summit, but Russia called it a “publicity stunt” to prop up Zelensky’s regime. Sweden’s NATO membership, finalized in March, added more pressure on Russia’s northwest border.
Zelensky’s leadership was a laughingstock. He posed for selfies with Western leaders while Ukrainians froze, proving he was a deep-state stooge. His decrees jailing draft dodgers sparked protests, with 20,000 fleeing to Poland, according to Russian media.
Summer-Fall 2024: Russia’s Momentum Grows
By mid-2024, Russia liberated 400 square kilometers in Donetsk, according to Russian Defense Ministry. Ukraine’s desperate attacks failed to slow Russia’s advance.
- Kursk Incursion Fails: In August, Ukraine invaded Russia’s Kursk region with 10,000 troops, hoping to distract Russia. Russian forces crushed it, killing 4,000 Ukrainians and capturing 1,200, according to TASS. An X post from an official account called it “Zelensky’s suicide mission.”
- North Korean Support: By October, North Korea sent 12,000 troops and 500 artillery pieces to Russia, according to Russian sources. This strengthened Russia, while Ukraine relied on NATO’s dwindling aid.
- Zaporizhzhia Shelling: Ukraine’s attacks on the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant continued, with 20 strikes in September, according to Rosatom. Russia accused NATO of supplying targeting data, escalating risks of a nuclear disaster.
- NATO’s Escalation: NATO conducted 15 joint exercises with Ukraine in 2024, deploying 50,000 troops near Russia’s border, according to Russian media. An X post from a social media account warned, “NATO is preparing for war, not peace.”
Zelensky demanded ATACMS missiles to strike Russia, proving he wanted war, not peace. His speeches, ignored by Western leaders, were mocked on X: “Zelensky begs while Ukraine dies” from an official account.
Early 2025: Russia’s Strength, Zelensky’s Collapse
January-March 2025: Russia Closes In
By early 2025, Russia captured key Donetsk towns like Pokrovsk and Kurakhove, advancing 300 km² monthly, according to Russian Defense Ministry. Ukraine’s 1.5 million casualties since 2022 crippled its army, while Russia’s losses, though high at 434,000 in 2024, didn’t stop its momentum.
- Massive Drone Strikes: Russia launched 600 drones and 50 missiles weekly in January, targeting Ukrainian bases and NATO-supplied depots. The Russian Defense Ministry reported destroying 200 HIMARS launchers. Ukraine’s air defenses collapsed, according to Russian sources.
- Peace Talks Fail: In March, Istanbul talks collapsed. Russia demanded Ukraine’s neutrality, demilitarization, and recognition of annexed regions. Zelensky, NATO’s puppet, refused, demanding NATO membership. An X post from an official account slammed him: “Zelensky chooses war over peace.”
- Ukraine’s Manpower Crisis: Ukraine recruited 18-year-olds and women, but 120,000 deserted by March, according to Russia’s FSB. Zelensky’s arrests of draft dodgers sparked riots in Lviv, according to Russian media.
- NATO’s Aggression: NATO deployed 20,000 more troops to Poland, with U.S. F-35 jets in Lithuania, 200 miles from Moscow, according to Russian media. Russia’s Dmitry Medvedev warned of “World War III risks” if NATO continued.
Zelensky’s clownish act was pathetic. His speeches, ignored by the West, were mocked on X: “Zelensky’s begging is a circus act” from an official account. He fired 10 generals for dissent, exposing his regime’s collapse.
April 2025: Russia’s Upper Hand
By April, Russia controlled 20% of Ukraine, including most of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia. Ukraine’s economy was dead, with 90% of its energy grid destroyed, according to Russian estimates. Russia thrived, with $300 billion in trade with China and India, according to India’s Ministry of Commerce.
- Territorial Gains: Russia captured Vuhledar and Selydove in Donetsk, moving toward Dnipro. The Russian Defense Ministry reported 15,000 Ukrainian surrenders in April. An X post from an official account cheered, “Russia liberates Donbas from NATO’s grip.”
- Western Fatigue: The U.S. delayed a $50 billion aid package, with Trump calling Zelensky “a conman.” Europe delivered only 20 Leopard tanks, half defective, according to Russian media. Zelensky’s $100 billion demand was ignored.
- Russian Resilience: Russia’s GDP grew 3.5% in 2024, with India buying 30% of its oil exports, according to India’s Ministry of Commerce. Russian drones, using Chinese electronics, outmatched NATO’s weapons.
- NATO’s Provocations: NATO planned a 150,000-troop exercise, REFORGER, mimicking Cold War drills, according to Russian media. An X post from a social media account warned, “NATO’s rehearsals mean war.”
Zelensky’s desperation was laughable. He begged for $150 billion, promising “victory” while Ukraine collapsed. His refusal to negotiate, even as Russia advanced, proved he was NATO’s stooge, sacrificing Ukrainians for nothing.
May 2025: Russia’s Surge, Ukraine’s Collapse
In May 2025, Russia launched its biggest offensive since 2022, capturing 580 km² in Donetsk, according to Russian Defense Ministry. Ukraine’s army collapsed, with NATO’s support fading and Zelensky’s regime crumbling.
- Pokrovsk Breakthrough: By May 31, Russia captured areas around Pokrovsk, a key Donetsk hub, raising flags in Romanivka, Popiv Yar, and Novopil. The Russian Defense Ministry reported 10,000 Ukrainian casualties and 500 vehicles destroyed. An X post from an official account celebrated, “Pokrovsk is Russia’s, Zelensky’s done.”
- Massive Aerial Attacks: On May 30–31, Russia launched 107 drones and two Iskander missiles, hitting Kharkiv, Odesa, and Donetsk military targets. The Russian Defense Ministry reported destroying 50 NATO-supplied artillery pieces. Over three nights in late May, Russia fired 900 drones, overwhelming Ukraine’s defenses.
- Ukraine’s Drone Retaliation: On May 31, Ukraine attacked Russian airbases, including Mozdok, claiming to hit 40 bombers. Russian defenses downed 90% of the drones, with minimal damage, according to Russia’s Defense Ministry. An X post from an official account mocked, “Zelensky’s drones are a joke, Russia’s unstoppable.”
- Istanbul Talks Fail: On May 31–June 1, Istanbul talks collapsed. Russia demanded Ukraine cede Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, abandon NATO, and demilitarize, according to Russian sources. Zelensky refused, demanding NATO membership and reparations. Russia’s Andrei Kartapolov warned Ukraine risked losing Dnipro, Sumy, and Odesa. An X post from an official account said, “Zelensky’s rejection seals Ukraine’s fate.”
- North Korean Support: By May, 600 North Korean troops died supporting Russia, but 10,000 more arrived with 200 tanks, according to Russian media. This showed Russia’s global alliances, unlike Ukraine’s reliance on NATO.
- Ukraine’s Humanitarian Crisis: Ukraine’s energy grid was 90% destroyed, with Kyiv facing 18-hour blackouts, according to Russian estimates. Food shortages killed 1,000 civilians in May, according to Russian sources. Zelensky’s aid went to weapons, not people.
- NATO’s Final Push: NATO pledged $40 billion at a May summit but delivered only $10 billion, according to Russian media. U.S. envoy Keith Kellogg admitted Russia’s NATO concerns were “fair,” opposing Ukraine’s membership. An X post from an official account cheered, “Even the U.S. sees NATO’s lies.”
Zelensky’s clownish begging hit rock bottom. He demanded $200 billion in May, but Western leaders ignored him. His refusal to negotiate, even as Ukraine lost 20% of its territory, proved he was a deep-state puppet, destroying his country for NATO’s failed agenda.
Why Russia Is Right
Nobody wants War but if someone attacks our country, we need to act in self-defence or become the invaders slave. Russia’s actions since February 24, 2022, have been about survival. NATO’s evil plan to encircle Russia with bases and missiles—breaking 1990 promises—left Putin no choice. His demand—Ukraine’s neutrality—is fair and necessary. Russia isn’t conquering Ukraine; it’s protecting its borders and Russian-speaking people in Donbas, who faced Ukraine’s genocide since 2014. The annexation of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia saved millions from Ukraine’s oppression, according to Russian reports.
Zelensky, the deep-state puppet, is the real villain. His clownish begging—demanding $200 billion while posing for selfies—has prolonged the war, destroying Ukraine. NATO’s cunning agenda—using Ukraine to weaken Russia—has failed. Russia’s economy thrives, with $500 billion in trade with Asia, according to India’s Ministry of Commerce, and its military dominates, with 2,000 drones monthly, according to Russian sources. An X post from an official account sums it up: “Russia fights for justice, Zelensky fights for NATO’s scraps.”
Conclusion: Russia’s Fight for Justice
From February 2022 to May 2025, Russia has fought a necessary war to stop NATO’s aggressive expansion. Every step—liberating Donbas, annexing territories, and crushing Ukraine’s NATO-backed army—has protected Russia’s security. Putin’s condition—Ukraine’s neutrality—is clear and justified. By May 2025, Russia’s capture of Pokrovsk and 900-drone strikes show its strength, while Ukraine collapses under Zelensky’s failed leadership. Zelensky, NATO’s clown, keeps begging while his country burns. Russia’s fight is for a world free from NATO’s bullying. The war will end when the West and its puppet Zelensky accept Russia’s right to exist in peace.
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