Russia Ukraine Conflict

The Russia-Ukraine Conflict is an ongoing geopolitical and military confrontation that began in February 2014 with Russia’s annexation of Crimea, followed by a war in the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine. The conflict escalated dramatically on 24 February 2022, when Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, marking the most significant military aggression in Europe since World War II.

The roots of the conflict trace back to Ukraine's increasing alignment with Western institutions like the European Union (EU) and NATO, which Russia perceived as a threat to its sphere of influence. Tensions further escalated due to disputes over gas supplies, territorial claims, and Ukraine's political orientation. The invasion has led to widespread international condemnation, resulting in severe economic sanctions on Russia and significant global diplomatic fallout.

The war has caused immense human suffering, with thousands of casualties, massive displacement of civilians, and extensive infrastructure damage across Ukrainian cities. Ukraine has received military, economic, and humanitarian aid from Western allies, including the United States, European Union, and NATO members. Key battles have taken place in regions like Kyiv, Kharkiv, Mariupol, and the Donbas, with shifting frontlines and ongoing hostilities.

The conflict has also triggered global economic repercussions, including disruptions in energy supplies, food shortages, and inflationary pressures. Russia's reliance on its energy exports as leverage, coupled with the Western response of sanctions and arms supplies to Ukraine, has added complexity to the conflict.

In March 2022, BOOM fact-checked a viral graphic suggesting that Air India was the only airline operating flights into the war zone amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

BOOM found that the claim was false, as the original Twitter user who posted the screenshot clarified that it was due to a glitch in the flight tracking app, debunking the misleading narrative.