Part 2/12:
In the lead-up to the invasion, Russian military exercises—dubbed “Allied Resolve”—had already created a palpable tension along the Ukrainian borders, with over 130,000 troops amassed at strategic points. In the Chernihiv Region specifically, elements of Russian elite units were strategically positioned to spring a coordinated attack, not only targeting the regional center but aiming directly for Kyiv within days. In response, Ukraine mobilized its own forces, launching exercises to prepare for potential conflict.