For a long time there was uncertainty as to how the situation between Russia and Ukraine should be assessed.
The West tried diplomacy.
Politicians like Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz traveled to Moscow, there were many phone calls and the talks at the Munich Security Conference were also dominated by the topic.
Vladimir Putin was obviously not influenced by this.
After weeks of military maneuvers not far from the Ukrainian border, the Russian President recognized the pro-Russian "People's Republics" of Luhansk and Donetsk as independent last Monday and then attacked Ukraine from several sides on Thursday night.
The fighting continues.
People are trying to flee Ukraine, the capital Kiev is under heavy fire.
Everything indicates that Russia wants to overthrow the Ukrainian government.
The picture gallery with photos from various agency photographers looks back at the significant stages of the conflict.