Russia's military, known as the Russian Armed Forces, is one of the largest and most

powerful military forces in the world. It consists of several branches:

1. Russian Ground Forces: This branch includes military ground operations and is the

largest component of the Russian Armed Forces. It is made up of infantry, tanks, artillery,

missile troops and various specialized units.

2. Russian Aerospace Forces: This branch is responsible for military air and space

operations. It includes aircraft, helicopters, missile systems and space forces that handle

satellite operations and space defense systems.

3. Russian Navy: Encompasses naval operations and includes submarines, surface ships,

naval aviation and coastal defense forces. The Russian Navy operates in several parts of

the world, including the Baltic Sea, the Black Sea, the Arctic and the Pacific Ocean.

4. Strategic Missile Troops: This branch manages Russia's strategic nuclear forces,

including intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and other nuclear delivery systems.

5. Specialized forces: In addition to these main branches, Russia has specialized forces

such as the Special Operations Forces (Spetsnaz), which are elite units trained for various

missions, including counterterrorism, reconnaissance, and special operations.

The Russian military underwent major modernizations and reforms in the early 2000s to

improve its capabilities. It has demonstrated its military strength through various

operations, such as its participation in conflicts in Syria, military exercises and displays of

advanced weaponry.The military plays an important role in Russia's defense strategy and

geopoliticalinfluence, and its activities often impact international relations and global

security dynamics.

“Russia's armed forces” european parlament

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/BRIE/2021/689370/

EPRS_BRI(2021)689370_EN.pdf
The war in Ukraine began in 2014 after Russia's annexation of Crimea and the outbreak of

armed conflict in the easter regionsofUkraine,specificallyinDonetskandLuhansk,wherepro-

Russian separatist groupsdeclared independence, challenging the sovereignty of Ukraine.

Major events include:

1. Annexation of Crimea: In February and March 2014, following protests and political

changes in Ukraine, Russia intervened militarily and annexed the Crimean peninsula,

leading to strong international condemnation and sanctions against Russia.

2. Conflict in eastern Ukraine: After the annexation of Crimea, a conflict broke out in the

eastern regions of Donetsk and Lugansk, where separatist groups, allegedly supported by

Russia, clashed with Ukrainian government forces. This conflict has been complex and

has involved battles, violence and constant tensions.

3. Russian intervention: Despite official denials, Ukraine and several Western countries

accuse Russia of supporting separatist rebels in eastern Ukraine by supplying weapons,

military personnel and logistical support. Russia has consistently denied these

accusations, although there is evidence of its involvement.

4. Minsk Agreements: Multiple attempts have been made to reach a peaceful solution

through the Minsk Agreements, in which ceasefire, heavy withdrawal and other measures

were agreed to resolve the conflict. However, implementation has been patchy and the

conflict persists, with sporadic outbreaks of violence.

The conflict in Ukraine has had a significant impact on the region, with thousands of

deaths, internally displaced people and geopolitical tensions between Russia, Ukraine and

several Western countries. Furthermore, it has raised security concerns in Europe and has

been a major issue in international relations.

“Conflict in Ukraine”UK Parliament

https://researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/CBP-9476/CBP-9476.pdf