Russiaâs invasion came in two phases, many Ukrainians say: the first a decade ago, when it sent soldiers over the border in an unacknowledged military intervention, and the second when it began its full assault two years ago.Russiaâs invasion came in two phases, many Ukrainians say: the first a decade ago, when it sent soldiers over the border in an unacknowledged military intervention, and the second when it began its full assault two years ago.