In the weeks leading up to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Western leaders pursued diplomatic efforts to deter an attack, but Russian military preparations continued. Meanwhile, in Donetsk, a region controlled by Russian-backed authorities, escalating developments were used as a pretext for the invasion. Civilians and families of military personnel were instructed to evacuate to Russia, while men between the ages of 18 and 55 were ordered to remain and report for service.
In the early hours of February 24, 2022, explosions were reported in multiple Ukrainian cities, including the capital,...