Start Date and Official Timeline
The full-scale invasion of Ukraine began on February 24, 2022, when Russian forces launched a multi-front offensive across land and sea borders. This date marks the transition from the earlier phase of the conflict in the Donbas region that had been ongoing since 2014, and it is the reference point used by governments, international organizations, and financial regulators for sanctions, aid tracking, and market impact analysis Forbes.
In the hours and days that followed the February 24 start date, major Western economies imposed sweeping sanctions on Russian banks, sovereign debt, and key individuals, while also providing emergency financial support to Ukraine. The timeline of diplomatic statements, executive orders, and central bank actions is anchored to this invasion date, making it the central reference for any chronological review of the crisis.
Key Events and Military Operations
First Weeks of the Invasion
Within the first week after the invasion began on February 24, 2022, Russian forces advanced toward Kyiv, Chernihiv, and Sumy while missile strikes hit infrastructure and military targets across Ukraine. Ukrainian forces mounted unexpected resistance, and by early March the pace of the northern advance slowed significantly, leading to a repositioning of troops toward the Donbas region Forbes.
Ongoing Frontline Developments
Through 2023 and into 2024, the front lines stabilized into a protracted war of attrition, with intense battles around Avdiivka, Bakhmut, and other strategic locations. Public data on troop movements, equipment losses, and territorial control is updated by defense ministries, think tanks, and international monitors, all of which continue to use the original invasion date as the zero point for measuring duration and escalation Forbes.
Financial Impact and Market Reactions
Sanctions and Energy Prices
Financial markets reacted sharply on and after the invasion date, with energy prices spiking as European governments moved to reduce dependence on Russian natural gas and oil. Sanctions packages targeted major Russian banks, the central bank, and key sectors, and their implementation was measured from the February 24 start date to assess compliance timelines and market absorption Forbes.
Corporate and Investment Exposure
Multinational companies quickly disclosed the financial impact of the invasion, including asset write-downs, exit costs from Russia, and supply chain disruptions. Public filings, earnings calls, and regulatory updates from bodies such as the SEC reference the invasion date when quantifying country risk, contingency reserves, and the timeline for reassessing exposure to Russian-linked transactions SEC.