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On the news over the last few weeks, many have seen the pressure from Russia to annex Ukraine rise to unprecedented levels; finally leading to the attack by Russia on Ukraine. This conflict began in early 2014 when former Ukrainian president, Viktor Yanukovych, was forcibly removed from office; this was of importance to Putin and the Kremlin since Yanukovych was a pro-Russia leader. This forced Russia to take control of Crimea, and supply weapons to the Ukrainian separatists who, much like Yanukovych, were pro-Russia. As of today, Putin has garnered the support of a moderate percentage of Russian citizens. However, this is only because Putin has portrayed Ukraine as an anti-semitic, Nazi ridden country, and that president Volodymyr Zelenskyy is currently at the head of a mass genocide. Russia has used this comparison to Nazi Germany to grow hate against Ukraine and the people of Ukraine. Putin has employed the use of propaganda to convince his citizens that Ukraine is the modern equivalent of Nazi Germany. This fear of Fascism and a Nazi state are backed by Russia’s past and World War 2. During World War 2, Ukraine was led by nationalist Stepan Bandera, who worked closely with Nazis to fight Russia. So, the pro-Russia extremists of the 2010s and 2020s have used these claims of Nazi Ukraine to rationalize this war and attack on an innocent country full of innocent people. Another reason for Putin’s animosity towards Ukraine and the West is that he believes NATO is expanding too far east by considering Ukraine as a potential member, and that this is a provocative action.
NATO Expansion (Deutsche Welle)
At 03:00 GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) on February 24, 2022, President Putin announced his attack on Ukraine via unscripted livestream. He cited this invasion as a “special military operation. [Whose] goal is the protection of the people who, over the past eight years, have suffered abuse and genocide from the Kyiv regime” (ABC News). Promptly after this announcement, explosions could be heard in several cities such as Mariupol, Kharkiv and near the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv. Since April of 2021 (nearly one year ago), there have been Russian troops all along the Ukrainian border. However, in recent weeks, there has been more military practice and an influx of troops that are proving to be a threat to the security of Ukraine. As of the time this article was written (2.25.22), there is no clear reason as to why the invasion occurred when it did. Russia has launched over 250 missiles into Ukraine over the last two days and continues to do so, mostly hitting civilian infrastructure within cities and villages.
While the Russian military might outnumber Ukraine in terms of soldiers, tanks, and weapons, the Ukrainian army is protecting their country better than anyone expected. Ukraine has approximately 200,000 active military personnel, while Russia has upwards of 800,000 (not all of which are in or around Ukraine). Russia also has near 13,000 tanks and Ukraine has near 3,000 (Deutsche Welle). These astounding differences in military force have made it harder for Ukraine to defend themselves, however, they have employed the help of everyday citizens; providing guns and artillery to anyone who asks. Many citizens of Ukraine are stepping up to fight for their country, including president Volodymyr Zelensky who rejected asylum saying, “I will stay in my country and if I die, I will die with my soldiers.” Ukraine has reported that 198 people have been killed and more than 1,000 have been injured (as of 2.25.22), and approximately 3,500 Russian troops have been injured, there is no information on their death toll yet. Over the last few days there has been significant violence throughout Ukraine at the hands of the Russian military, most of which has been the result of air strikes, the use of tanks, and military personnel. One very important thing to note is that the Russian military has seized control of Chernobyl, the nuclear site, and has set up troops in that location. This is of importance because it severely restricts how Ukraine can attack these troops. If the powerplant is struck, it could lead to another nuclear disaster.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy with soldiers in the Donbas region of Ukraine (World Socialist Website)
Many countries of the West have placed sanctions on Russia and there has been progress, however, only time will tell how this affects Russia’s further decisions. Germany has ceased approval for the Nord 2 pipeline, the UK has frozen all Russian bank assets, and the US has targeted Russian financial institutions. Much of the sanctions are linked to Russian money, which will place significant pressure on the Russian economy, as well as the Kremlin. Many people are urging countries with the means to act further, rather than rely on sanctions (where changes can only be seen in the long term), however, it is difficult to act in this war as a part of NATO. If a NATO country is attacked in any way, each other member must also act, as stated in article 5, “an attack against one Ally is considered an attack against all Allies” (NATO). This is another reason why it is difficult to accept Ukraine as a member of NATO.
This attack on Ukraine will negatively affect the people of Ukraine and Russia. It is a common misconception that the entirety of Russia is in support of this war, most citizens do not condone this, nor are they in favor of Putin as the leader. As said by Alexei Navalny (former candidate for Russian presidency), “Putin and the other senile Security Council crooks are the enemies of Russia. Not Ukraine or the West. Putin Kills and wants to kill more” (via Alexei Navalney’s Twitter). While countless sanctions are being placed upon Russia, this will only make the citizens of Russia poorer. As for the people of Ukraine, this war already has had a significant impact on the way they live their lives. Many citizens, especially those in Kyiv, are taking shelter in subway stations, sleeping there for days with the few belongings they deem as most important. Hospitals have moved ICU babies to these subway stations, carrying these newborns along with whatever little medical equipment they could manage to bring. Grandfathers, fathers, and brothers are having to send away their families to seek refuge while they stay and fight for their country in a war that is completely unnecessary and waged against innocent people.
Citizens of Kyiv taking shelter in a subway station (Business Insider)
As of 2.25.22, there have been nearly 100,000 displaced Ukrainians, and the EU estimates that the number of refugees and asylum seekers will grow to 1-5 million. Currently, Poland, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, and Moldova are at the forefront of accepting refugees, however, Ukrainians are able to go to any country within the EU and receive help. The problem is, many countries do not have the infrastructure in place to accept large numbers of refugees. The Czech Republic has also deployed it’s police in Slovakia to help receive the refugees. Attached below are a few ways you can help the people of Ukraine if you would like to do so.
International Committee Of The Red Cross:
International Rescue Committee:
Nova Ukraine:
Sources:
Deutsche Welle. “Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine in 5 Graphics: DW: 25.02.2022.” DW.COM, https://www.dw.com/en/russias-invasion-of-ukraine-in-5-graphics/a-60909241.
Jones, James. “Inside Ukraine’s Propaganda War.” PBS, Public Broadcasting Service, https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/article/inside-ukraines-propaganda-war/.
Kirby, Paul. “Why Is Russia Invading Ukraine and What Does Putin Want?” BBC News, BBC, 26 Feb. 2022, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-56720589.
Ramzy, Austin. “The Invasion of Ukraine: How Russia Attacked and What Happens Next.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 24 Feb. 2022, https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/24/world/europe/why-russia-attacked-ukraine.html.
Ravindran, Jeevan. “Live Updates: Russia Invades Ukraine and Vladimir Putin News.” CNN, Cable News Network, 26 Feb. 2022, https://www.cnn.com/europe/live-news/ukraine-russia-news-02-26-22/index.html.
“Watch Putin Announce Russia’s Military Operation in Ukraine.” The Wall Street Journal, Dow Jones & Company, https://www.wsj.com/video/series/on-the-news/watch-putin-announce-russias-military-operation-in-ukraine/2FC136AD-195F-4549-B8E1-C31A4CB88DB6.
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