@Buffalox that is the Russian narrative, yes. But there is ample evidence that Russian servicemen and entire russian units took part in the invasion of Donbas. Most of the "local rebels" were actually Russian serving citizens. After all, "local rebels" can not operate complex weapon systems like attack helicopters, integrated long range air defence systems etc, it takes quite a bit of training to operate efficiently.

[–] Buffalox@lemmy.world 1 points 15 hours ago (1 children)

entire russian units took part in the invasion

Still it wasn't considered outright war between Ukraine and Russia at the time, more like skirmishes. Everybody knows that Russia meddled heavily.
You can compare it to the border dispute between India and China, where there also is fighting, although it is only with primitive weapons like canes, there are casualties.
China and India is not considered to be at war, but they very definitely have a very serious border dispute over a piece of land the British gave to China when India was a British colony.

[–] Rythm@social.vivaldi.net 0 points 14 hours ago (1 children)

@Buffalox I would argue that you can and should label it a war. A significant part of Ukraine had been illegally occupied (Krym), another part was invaded and partially occupied (Donbas, which is two regions), military confrontation with advanced weapons systems was a fact.

[–] Buffalox@lemmy.world 1 points 14 hours ago* (last edited 14 hours ago)

The total combat losses of the enemy from 24.02.22 to 24.02.26

This is what is referred to when saying we are entering the 5th year.
Yes there were problems before that, that could also be labelled war, but there's a huge difference between before the 24.02.2022 and after. With a thousand casualties every day for 4 years.

I'm not saying you are wrong, but you are kind of changing the subject.