Why Did Putin Pick Feb. 24 As The Date For Invading Ukraine?

A saint’s birthday seems to hold quasi-mystical significance for the Russian president

Vladimir Putin’s aims in invading Ukraine were clear: He wanted to expand his power and sphere of influence by annihilating the country, restoring it to full Russian control, and neutralizing any threats posed by NATO and the West.

But why did Putin choose to attack on Feb. 24?

Luke Harding offers a persuasive theory in his recent Invasion (Vintage, 2022), a chronicle of the first months of the war that draws on his experience of covering of the conflict for the Guardian. He writes:

“In the dimming years of his presidency, Putin seemed preoccupied with his own place in history — and how he matched up with bygone kings and warriors: Ivan the Terrible, Peter the Great, Stalin. What would Putin’s legacy be?

“One of his heroes was Fyodor Ushakov, an eighteenth-century naval commander and admiral, celebrated for his success in battle. It was Ushakov who had defeated the Ottomans and who consolidated control of Crimea. In his retirement he became a monk. And then — during Putin’s presidency in 2001 — he became a saint.

“Ushakov’s birthday appears to have held an occult-like significance for Putin as he embarked on his long-contemplated messianic project to reunite Ukraine with Russia. It was February 24, the day Putin picked to invade. With God, the patriarch, and a mighty terrestrial army on his side, victory may have seemed inevitable. The tide was favorable, history was his to command.

“Only one leader stood immediately in Putin’s way….He was only a former actor.”

That actor was Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who would show how badly Putin had underestimated the ferocity of the opposition he would face from Ukrainians.

@JaniceHarayda is an award-winning critic and journalist whose work has appeared in many major print and online media.

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