What Happened in 2022, and What Didn’t

Sometimes, what does not happen is what matters most.

By the evening of February 25 this year, Russia’s troops had reached the edge of Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital. The day before, Russian troops had crossed into Ukraine in the largest military attack in Europe since World War II.

Ukraine's defense ministry urged its people to build bombs to fight off the invaders. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy filmed himself on the streets of the city, promising to defend his country.

"Tonight, they will launch an assault," Zelenskyy said. "All of us must understand what awaits us. We must withstand this night."

Many had expected a quick Russian victory. But the assault never came. And 10 months later, Russia has pulled back its "special military operation" in some places.