Russia-Ukraine War: Role of Key Players as of Early March 2025

Click on a country to learn about its role in the conflict.

Russia's Role

2022: Invaded Ukraine, citing NATO expansion and security concerns.
2023: Annexed parts of Ukraine; faced heavy Western sanctions.
2024: Increased military operations, sought strategic alliances with China.
2025: Engaging in selective negotiations while rejecting NATO involvement.

Ukraine's Role

2022: Defended against full-scale Russian invasion, requested Western aid.
2023: Conducted counter-offensives, pushed for NATO membership.
2024: Faced war fatigue, economic struggles, but continued to resist.
2025: Strengthened ties with the EU, seeking long-term security guarantees.

USA's Role

2022: Imposed severe sanctions on Russia, supplied military aid to Ukraine.
2023: Continued large-scale financial support; tensions with Congress over aid.
2024: Political shifts raised questions on sustained commitment.
2025: Trump-led diplomacy explores alternative peace negotiations.

EU - Germany's Role

2022: Imposed sanctions on Russia, accepted millions of Ukrainian refugees.
2023: Increased military aid; Germany and France played major roles.
2024: Economic strain as war fatigue grew.
2025: EU debated deeper integration with Ukraine.

UK's Role

2022: Strong military support for Ukraine, imposed sanctions on Russia.
2023: Continued arms shipments despite domestic political changes.
2024: Economic and political shifts raised sustainability concerns.
2025: Advocated for a stronger NATO stance on Russia.

China's Role

2022: Neutral stance but increased trade with Russia.
2023: Quietly supported Russia economically while avoiding direct involvement.
2024: Attempted to mediate peace talks but remained ambiguous.
2025: Strengthened ties with Russia amid increasing tensions with the USA.

Poland's Role

2022: Accepted millions of Ukrainian refugees and provided extensive military aid.
2023: Became a key transit hub for Western weapons to Ukraine.
2024: Increased military spending to counter potential threats.
2025: Advocated for stronger NATO presence in Eastern Europe.

Hungary's Role

2022: Took a neutral stance, avoiding direct military aid.
2023: Criticized EU sanctions on Russia, citing economic impact.
2024: Maintained economic ties with Russia, creating tensions with EU allies.
2025: Sought to mediate between Russia and Ukraine for economic stability.

Turkey's Role

2022: Acted as a mediator, facilitating grain export deals.
2023: Balanced relations between NATO and Russia.
2024: Increased arms sales to Ukraine while maintaining diplomacy with Russia.
2025: Strengthened its regional influence as a key negotiator.

Japan's Role

2022: Imposed sanctions on Russia and provided economic aid to Ukraine.
2023: Strengthened security ties with NATO.
2024: Increased focus on Indo-Pacific security while supporting Ukraine.
2025: Advocated for a rules-based international order.

India's Role

2022: Maintained neutrality but increased trade with Russia.
2023: Continued buying Russian oil while engaging diplomatically with both sides.
2024: Sought to balance ties with the West and Russia.
2025: Promoted diplomatic resolutions while avoiding military entanglements.

Brazil's Role

2022: Took a neutral stance, calling for peaceful negotiations.
2023: Engaged in diplomatic talks to mediate the crisis.
2024: Increased trade with both Russia and Ukraine.
2025: Advocated for global South cooperation in peace efforts.

Jamaica's Role

2022: Called for peaceful resolution, maintained neutrality.
2023: Supported UN resolutions condemning the invasion.
2024: Focused on economic challenges and regional stability.
2025: Advocated for developing nations' involvement in peace talks.

Israel's Role

2022: Provided humanitarian aid while balancing relations with Russia.
2023: Increased military aid to Ukraine but avoided direct involvement.
2024: Managed complex diplomatic ties with Russia and the West.
2025: Played a behind-the-scenes role in peace negotiations.

Mexico's Role

2022: Criticized the invasion but avoided direct sanctions on Russia.
2023: Focused on regional economic stability and energy policies.
2024: Increased humanitarian support for displaced Ukrainians.
2025: Strengthened diplomatic efforts for a peaceful resolution.

Philippines' Role

2022: Supported UN resolutions against Russia.
2023: Strengthened ties with the US and NATO allies.
2024: Focused on economic concerns while condemning aggression.
2025: Advocated for ASEAN's role in global conflict resolution.

Norway's Role

2022: Provided humanitarian aid and military support to Ukraine.
2023: Increased energy exports to Europe to counter Russian supply cuts.
2024: Strengthened NATO commitments and security measures.
2025: Continued advocating for diplomatic solutions while supporting Ukraine.

Discussion Questions

1. How has each country’s involvement shaped the war’s outcome so far?

2. What are the long-term implications for global politics?

3. Should countries like China or the USA take a different approach?

Your Answers