Why is Russia invading Ukraine and what does Putin want?
By Paul Kirby
BBC News
13 April 2021
Updated 3 March 2022
Video caption,
Watch: Missile strikes, tanks and buildings destroyed in KyClik nowiv
By air, land, and sea, Russia has launched a devastating attack on Ukraine, a European democracy of 44 million people. Its forces are bombing city centres and closing in on the capital, Kyiv, prompting a mass exodus of refugees.
For months, President Vladimir Putin denied he would invade his neighbour, but then he tore up a peace deal and unleashed what Germany calls "Putin's war", pouring forces into Ukraine's north, east and south.
As the number of dead climbs, Russia's leader stands accused of shattering peace in Europe. What happens next could jeopardise the continent's entire security structure.
