Six decisive moments in the Ukrainian war

1. The battle for the airport in Hostomel

One of the first and most significant events occurred when the Russians attempted a strategic coup and captured Kiev. Ukraine’s response, in which elements of the National Guard blockaded the airport and surprised the Russians with their resistance, proved crucial in preventing a rapid Russian advance on the capital.

– If they had succeeded, which they did not, then the war would have taken a completely different course, says Joakim Paasikivi.

– They prevented Russia from succeeding with this air landing. One of the most decisive battles initially, by brave, quite unprepared but very very brave Ukrainian soldiers, he continues.

2. Zelensky’s decision to stay in Kyiv

– My family are not traitors, they are Ukrainian citizens, said the president and announced that he and his family will remain in Ukraine, says Joakim Paasikivi.

Despite the fact that it is quite obvious that the Russians are after him, Zelensky chooses not to leave the country.

3. Battle of Kharkiv

Ukraine’s operational surprise attack in the Kharkiv region led to the collapse of Russian forces in the area in just one week.

– Through skillful planning and luck, the Ukrainians manage to enter the depths of the Russian empire.

4. Prigozhin’s rebellion

The Wagner Group, the Russian paramilitary organization led by Yevgeny Prigozhin, created internal conflicts in Russia.

Prigozhin had to recruit prisoners who were sent to fight in Bachmut. At the same time, Russia wanted better control over its soldiers and thought that all Wagner soldiers should sign a contract for the Ministry of Defense, Prigozhin did not want that.

At midsummer, the Wagner Group approaches Moscow but stops in the suburbs.

– There was not enough power to carry out a coup d’état. Two months later, he is probably killed in a plane crash.

5. The summer offensive that came off

Ukraine’s planned summer offensive met stiff resistance from the well-prepared Russian forces along the front line. Russia had time to lay mines and that set the hook for the Ukrainian army.

– It is not possible to clear mines if you are simultaneously fired upon by artillery.

The failure of the summer offensive resulted in a withdrawal and a cementing of the front. This has characterized the war afterwards.

6. The attacks against the Russian Black Sea Fleet

Ukraine’s attacks on the Russian Black Sea Fleet, using naval targeting robots and naval drones, have successfully prevented Russia from operating freely in the Black Sea and have allowed Ukraine to once again export grain, which is a very important part of the country’s economy.