Eight years after Russia illegally annexed Crimea, President Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine on grounds that the country was ruled by Neo-Nazis who were persecuting the Russian minority in the region. The invasion is the largest attack on a European country since World War II.

Other notable events on February 24th:

In 1989, United Airlines Flight 811, a Boeing 747 plane, rips open over the Pacific Ocean, killing 9 passengers.

In 1920, The German Nazi party is founded, with Adolf Hitler become its leader a year later.

In 1868, US President Andrew Johnson is impeached, for high crimes and misdemeanors.

In 1607, the world’s first opera, Claudio Monteverdi’s “L’Orfeo” premieres