A Year in Ukraine: War, Minerals, and Climbing Tensions
The war in Ukraine, entering its fourth year, has seen a whirlwind of events. Billions in aid have poured in, Ukraine has made territorial gains, and Russia has unveiled a new hypersonic missile.
Key Moments from a Year of Conflict
Here are some key developments that marked the past year:
Kursk Offensive and Foreign Involvement
Ukraine launched a swift offensive in Russia’s Kursk region in August 2024, seizing hundreds of square kilometers of territory. While Russia later launched a counter-offensive, Ukraine still maintains control of around 500 square kilometers. Hundreds of Russian civilians remain trapped near the frontline, separated from their families and the rest of Russia.
Adding another layer of complexity, allegations surfaced that North Korean troops began arriving in October 2024 to support Russian forces in the Kursk region. While neither North Korea nor Russia has confirmed this, Ukraine, the United States, and South Korea claim over 10,000 North Korean soldiers were deployed. Reports suggest heavy losses amongst the North Korean contingent, with some estimates indicating over 300 deaths and 2,700 injuries.
On top of personnel, Pyongyang has also been accused of supplying Russia with artillery shells and ballistic missiles, further escalating the conflict’s international dimensions.
Russia Unleashes Hypersonic Missile
In a significant escalation, Russia tested its new hypersonic missile, codenamed Oreshnik, in November 2024. Targeting the city of Dnipro, the experimental weapon, though not equipped with a nuclear warhead at the time, can strike targets thousands of kilometers away.
President Vladimir Putin has threatened to employ the Oreshnik against “decision-making centers” in Kyiv, heightening anxieties about the war’s potential trajectory.
Aid and Mineral Resources as Bargaining Chips
In April 2024, the United States Congress approved $61 billion (€58 billion) in financial and military aid for Ukraine, breaking months of deadlock. This funding came on the heels of increased aid under the Biden administration following President Donald Trump’s re-election in November 2024.
However, Trump has suggested he could link future aid to Ukraine to access to its valuable mineral resources, key components in electronics manufacturing. President Zelensky has countered by emphasizing Ukraine’s desire to have its allies invest in its mineral resources rather than simply obtaining them for free.
Territorial Gains and a Shift in Momentum
According to an analysis of data from the US-based Institute for the Study of War, Russian forces gained 4,360 square kilometers of territory in Ukraine since February 2024, a figure vastly exceeding the gains in the previous year.
The majority of these gains are concentrated in the eastern Donetsk region, including the strategically important mining town of Toretsk. Russian troops are now poised to capture Pokrovsk, a vital logistical hub for the Ukrainian military and the coal industry.
Worried About the Future? Stay Informed
The war in Ukraine continues to evolve rapidly, with global implications. Stay informed about the latest developments and support organizations providing humanitarian aid to those affected by the conflict.