Historical Timeline

US places troops on heightened alert to deploy to Europe

NATO puts forces on stand-by as well and reinforces Eastern Europe with military equipment

12 January
NATO-Russia Council meets in Brussels

30 NATO Allies and Russia discuss the situation in and around Ukraine, and implications for European Security.

28 February
EU adopts new measures in response to Russia’s invasion

These include a ban on transactions with the Russian Central Bank, € 500 million support package to finance equipment and supplies to the Ukrainian armed forces, a ban on the overflight of EU airspace and on access to EU airports by Russian carriers, new sanctions on additional 26 persons and one entity

Canada further amends the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations

27 February
NATO Allies boost support to Ukraine

NATO Allies boost their political and military support to Ukraine as it continues to defend itself against Russia’s full-scale invasion. Anti-tank weapons, air-defence missiles and small arms and ammunition stocks are being sent to Ukraine. Allies also provide financial assistance and humanitarian aid, including medical supplies to help Ukrainian forces.

25 February
EU imposes sanctions against Vladimir Putin (President of the Russian Federation) and Sergey Lavrov (Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation)

24 February
Russia invades Ukraine

Putin announces a so-called “Special Military Operation” with the proclaimed aim of “demilitarization and denazification” of Ukraine. Within minutes following the announcements, explosions were reported in Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odessa, and the Donbass.

Special meeting of the European Council

The European Council condemns Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified military aggression against Ukraine, and demands that Russia immediately ceases its military actions, withdraws all forces and military equipment from Ukraine, respects Ukraine’s territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence, respects international law and stops their disinformation campaign and cyber-attacks. The EU leaders agree on further sanctions against Russia that target the financial sector, energy and transport sectors, dual-use goods, export control and export financing, visa policy, additional sanctions against Russian individuals.

NATO Secretary General issues a statement on Russia’s unprovoked attack on Ukraine

Ukraine informs the IAEA that Russian forces had taken control of all facilities of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant

Canada further amends the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations amendments were made in response to the Russian recognition of the independence and sovereignty of Ukraine’s Donetsk so called people’s Republic (DNR) and Luhansk people’s Republic (LNR) regions, and amendments were made in response to the Russian military attack against Ukraine’s territory in the so called DNR and LNR regions.

23 February
The Council of Europe agrees on a new package of sanctions against Russia

In response to the decision by the Russian Federation to proceed with the recognition of the non-government-controlled areas of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts in Ukraine as independent entities.

Sanctions include targeted sanctions against all members of the Russian State Duma (and 27 additional individuals), restrictions on economic relations with the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts and restrictions on Russia’s access to the EU’s capital, financial markets and services.

22 February
The NATO-Ukraine Commission met in Brussels for an extraordinary meeting to address the security situation in and around Ukraine

Russia formally recognizes DNR/LNR

Following an escalation of shell firing along the Russia-Ukraine frontline and false-flag operations undertaken by the Russian military to accuse Ukraine and serve as a casus belli, Russia takes steps to formally recognize the Donetsk and Luhansk Peoples’ Republics.

15 February
Ukraine requests international assistance for large-scale emergencies of various nature.

10 February
Russia launches largest military exercise joint with Belarus since Cold War.

Canada further amends the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations

On 4 March, 6 March, 10 March, 14 March, 23 March and 24 March.

Zelensky urges Western nations to enforce a no-fly zone over Ukraine

NATO’s secretary General rejects no-fly zone over Ukraine.

31 March
Control of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant is returned to Ukrainian personnel

24-25 March
EU leaders agree to set up a Ukraine Solidarity Trust Fund

At the European Council, EU leaders agreed to provide support for the reconstruction of a democratic Ukraine, including by setting up a Ukraine Solidarity Trust Fund. The EU leaders also discussed safety of civilians, rapid mobilization of funding for refugees and host countries, development of contingency plans, energy and nuclear facilities. They also discussed measures to mitigate the impact of high energy prices and to secure the supply of energy in the EU member states.

22 March
Moldova officially applies for EU Membership

However, presence of Russian troops in Transnistria prevents Moldova from fully controlling its own borders. Without border and territorial control, Moldova cannot join the EU, as this is one of the conditions for EU membership.

21 March
Council discusses food situation with Ukrainian agriculture minister

They discussed measures that could be taken not only to continue to safeguard food supplies in the short term, but also to enhance the EU’s food security and food sovereignty in the medium and long term. The discussion also touched upon the potential impact of the crisis on the food security of non-EU countries.

17 March
Council agrees on Frontex operational support for Moldova

Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine over 300 000 refugees have entered Moldova and the number continues to grow. The EU signed a status agreement with the Republic of Moldova regarding operational activities carried out by Frontex. This will help Moldovan border management authorities to face the challenge of regulating this influx of refugees while monitoring a border with an active war zone.

16 March
The Council endorsed a legislative proposal on Cohesion’s Action for Refugees in Europe (CARE)

The proposal will allow a swift release of cohesion policy funding and will help EU countries and regions provide emergency support to people fleeing Russia’s military aggression.

Ukraine and Moldova’s electricity networks were connected to the continental European grid on a trial basis

Russia ceases to be a member of the Council of Europe

The Committee of Ministers decided, in the context of the procedure launched under Article 8 of the Statute of the Council of Europe, that the Russian Federation ceases to be a member of the Council of Europe after 26 years of membership

15 March
Zelensky acknowledges that it would not be possible for Ukraine to join NATO

EU adopts fourth package of sanctions against Russia

The new measures include a ban on all transactions with certain state-owned enterprises; the provision of credit rating services to any Russian person or entity; new investments in the Russian energy sector; trade restrictions for iron, steel and luxury goods; sanctions on an additional 15 individuals and 9 entities.

14 March
EU Ministers discuss financial support for the reception of refugees

During the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council, ministers had an exchange of views on the war in Ukraine. People displaced by the conflict in Ukraine must be given assistance for their reception and support; access to the labor market; housing; social assistance.

10-11 March: EU leaders’ declaration on the situation in Ukraine

EU heads of state and government adopted a declaration on the Russian aggression against Ukraine. Leaders pledged to boost ties with Ukraine and support it along the European path; welcomed the decision of the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court to open an investigation; called for the safety and security of Ukraine’s nuclear facilities to be ensured immediately; confirmed their readiness to move quickly with further sanctions; stated that the EU and its member states would continue to provide coordinated political, financial, material and humanitarian support; committed to show solidarity and provide support to the refugees and the countries hosting them.

9 March
EU agrees on new measures targeting the Belarusian financial sector

The agreed measures restrict the provision of specialized financial messaging services (SWIFT) to three Belarusian banks, prohibit transactions with the Central Bank of Belarus, prohibit the listing and provision of services in relation to shares of Belarusian state-owned entities on EU trading venues, significantly limit the financial inflows from Belarus to the EU, prohibit the provision of euro-denominated banknotes to Belarus. Further restrictive measures regarding the export of maritime navigation goods and radio communication technology to Russia.

NATO Secretary General welcomes Canada’s leading role in the response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg spoke at the Ottawa Conference on Security and Defence organised by the Conference of Defence Associations. Secretary General Stoltenberg highlighted Canada’s continued support to Ukraine.

The UN and Ukrainian nuclear regulators lose lines of reliable communication with the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant’s workers

Russia switched off some mobile networks and the internet at the plant.

4 March
Russian troops take control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant (NPP)

According to Ukrainian nuclear officials, operators of the NPP are working at “gunpoint”. The UN’s nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), condemns the move.

EU adopts temporary protection scheme for persons fleeing the war in Ukraine

Objective: alleviating pressure on national asylum systems and allowing displaced persons to enjoy harmonized rights across the EU (residence, access to the labor market and housing, medical assistance, access to education for children)

EU Ministers: Extraordinary Council

Ministers called for a humanitarian corridor and agreed to further reduce the EU’s energy dependency from Russia.

2 March
EU imposes sanction on Russian state-owned outlets Russia Today and Sputnik 

EU approved the suspension of the broadcasting activities in the EU of Sputnik and Russia Today until the aggression against Ukraine is ended and Russia and its associated outlets cease conducting disinformation and information manipulation actions against the EU and its member states.

SWIFT ban for certain Russian banks (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication)

The EU has excluded seven Russian banks from SWIFT. This will ensure that these banks are disconnected from the international financial system and harm their ability to operate globally (Bank Otkritie, Novikombank, Promsvyazbank, Rossiya Bank, Sovcombank, Vnesheconombank (VEB), and VTB Bank)

EU imposes new sanctions in response to Belarus’ involvement in Ukraine’s military invasion

The EU condemns Belarus’ involvement in Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine. The EU has issued a package of individual and economic sanctions targeting 22 high ranked members of the Belarusian military personnel and further restrictions on trade.

Canada further amends the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations

On 5 April, 8 April and 19 April.

26 April
Two guided missiles hit the city of Zaporizhzhia, less than 40 miles northeast of Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant

This is one of multiple local reports of hostilities in the vicinity of the plant.

8 April
Fifth package of sanctions in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

The package includes a ban on imports from Russia of coal and other solid fossil fuels, all Russian vessels from accessing EU ports, all Russian and Belarusian road transport operators from entering the EU, import of other goods such as wood, cement, seafood and liquor, exports to Russia of jet fuel and other goods, deposit to crypto wallets.

The EU also adopts restrictive measurements against an additional 217 individuals and 18 entities.

4 April
Council adopts €150 million assistance to the Republic of Moldova

The assistance shall contribute to strengthening Moldova’s resilience in the current geopolitical context and covering Moldova’s balance of payments needs as identified in the IMF program.

1 April
Russia withdraws from Kyiv Area / Bucha Massacre

Following peace talks in Istanbul on March 29th, Russia begins withdrawal from the Kyiv region, to shift focus on the Donbass region. Following the withdrawal, disturbing reports and images surfaced of mass civilian casualties in the suburb of Kyiv, Bucha.

Canada further amends the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations
On 3 May, 6 May, 18 May and 27 May.

30-31 May
European Council agrees on the sixth sanctions package

The package covers crude oil and petroleum products, delivered from Russia to member states; a SWIFT ban for an additional three Russian bank and one Belarusian bank; suspension of broadcasting in the EU for three more Russian state-owned outlets.  A temporary exception for crude oil delivered by pipeline will be introduced.

The EU also adopted sanctions against an additional 65 individuals and 18 entities. These include individuals responsible for the atrocities committed in Bucha and Mariupol.

Other topics discussed during the summit: safety of civilians, prosecution of war crimes, EU support to Ukraine – including humanitarian, financial, military and political support – and EU support to neighbouring countries. The EU leaders also stressed the importance of resolutely implementing the Strategic Compass and increasing the EU’s security and defence capacity.

25 May
Eurojust to preserve evidence of war crimes

The Council adopted new rules to allow Eurojust to store and preserve evidence relating to war crimes, including satellite images, photographs, videos, audio recordings, DNA profiles and fingerprints; process and analyse this evidence, in close cooperation with Europol, and share the information with the relevant national and international authorities, including the International Criminal Court.

There is a reasonable basis to believe that crimes against humanity and war crimes have been and are being committed in Ukraine.

24 May
EU adopts temporary trade liberalisation with Ukraine

The decision will apply for a period of one year and will suspend all those tariffs under cu_people_job_title IV of the Association Agreement between the EU and Ukraine, the collection of anti-dumping duties on imports originating in Ukraine, the application of the common rules for imports with respect of imports originating in Ukraine.

19 May
EU Member states to collaborate to store and share gas supplies

The proposed regulation aims to ensure that storage capacities in the EU are filled before the winter season and can be shared between member states in a spirit of solidarity. Underground gas storage on member states’ territory should be filled to at least 80% of their capacity before the winter of 2022/2023 and to 90% before the following winter periods. The EU will attempt collectively to fill 85% of the underground gas storage capacity in 2022.

16 May
Azovstal and the fall of Mariupol

Ukrainian soldiers and civilians ended their defense of the Azovstal Iron and Steel Works Plant. On May 16, the Ukrainians negotiated with Russian forces to leave this plant, ending the Azovstal Battle, which brought most of Mariupol under Russian control.

2 May
EU Energy ministers recall solidarity to Ukraine and discuss gas supply challenges

EU energy ministers met in an extraordinary Council meeting to exchange views on possible measures to be undertaken in the event of an energy supply crisis, following the suspension by Gazprom of gas deliveries to some EU member states.

Canada further amends the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations
On 7 June and 27 June.

30 June
Council to add the violation of sanctions to the list of EU crimes

The EU has adopted several restrictive measures in the context of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and it is essential that these measures are fully implemented. Currently member states have very different definitions of what constitutes a violation of restrictive measures and what penalties should be applied in the event of violation.

A decision to add the violation of sanctions to the list of ‘EU crimes’ will allow, as a second step, the adoption of a set of minimum rules concerning the definition of criminal offences and penalties for the violation of EU restrictive measures. This will ensure a similar degree of sanctions enforcement throughout the EU and will dissuade attempts to circumvent or violate EU measures.

29-30 June
NATO Summit in Madrid

Support to Ukraine and other partners at risk; a strengthened Comprehensive Assistance Package for Ukraine, including support in areas like secure communications, anti-drone systems and fuel; long-term help for Ukraine to transition from Soviet-era military equipment to modern NATO equipment; new support packages for other partners at risk, including Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, and the Republic of Moldova; Official invitation to Finland and Sweden to become NATO members; reaffirmed commitment to NATO’s Open-Door policy for aspiring members

27 June
Council adopts statement on the protection of children from Ukraine

The Council encouraged member states to provide free legal aid and free access to health care services to displaced Ukrainian children; inform unaccompanied and separated children travelling from Ukraine of their rights

take all possible measures to ensure high-quality reception for the children;

ensure that all unaccompanied and separated children are fully integrated into national child protection systems; support access to quality education and care.

Energy Council adopts regulation on gas storage.

The Energy Council adopted new rules on gas storage which aim to ensure that gas storage capacities in the EU are filled before the winter season and can be shared between member states in a spirit of solidarity, despite the disruptions in the gas market. The new rules represent an important step in strengthening the security of the EU’s energy supply in the context of the war in Ukraine.

During the meeting, EU ministers also discussed the situation of the energy market. In this context, the ministers welcomed the REPowerEU plan, presented by the Commission in May 2022.

23-24 June
European Council grants EU candidate status to Ukraine

During the European Council on 23 June 2022, EU leaders granted EU candidate status to Ukraine. In this context, they invited the European Commission to report to the Council on the fulfilment of the conditions specified in the Commission’s opinion on Ukraine’s membership application.

EU leaders reiterated that they are strongly committed to providing continued EU support to Ukraine, including military, financial, humanitarian and political support.  

9 June
Council highlights the need to protect children facing armed conflicts

Against the background of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the Council noted the need to protect children facing armed conflicts and their consequences, from recruitment by armed forces; trafficking in human beings;

illegal adoption; sexual exploitation; separation from their families.

6 June
Head of UN nuclear watchdog Rafael Grossi says he is determined to send an IAEA expert mission to Zaporizhzhia NPP to assess the safety of operation and working conditions.