Three years ago, Russian troops entered Ukraine with the expectation of a swift victory, but what ensued was Europe's largest conflict since World War II. The invasion led to tens of thousands of casualties, widespread destruction of cities, and millions of Ukrainians becoming refugees. Russia found itself isolated from the West as a result.
Recent talks between senior Russian and U.S. officials have set the stage for a potential summit meeting, with President Putin inching closer to solidifying Moscow's control over about a fifth of Ukraine's territory and keeping it out of NATO.
