Tensions in Eastern Europe are flaring as Russia is preparing to launch an invasion into Ukraine, and Ukraine has no intention of backing down. In recent months, Russia has been amassing troops on their Ukrainian border. Many people hoped that this demonstration was just a show of force, but instead, war is lurking. Early on Feb. 23, the president of Russia, Vladimir Putin announced that they would begin a “special military operation” in Ukraine. President Putin said Russia’s goal is the “demilitarization and denazification of Ukraine.” Putin views the invasion as a way of liberating the Ukrainian people from, “suffering persecution and genocide by the Kyiv regime.” Also, President Putin requested that all Ukrainian soldiers lay down their arms, and they will be able to flee. Putin threatened any allies of Ukraine by telling them that they will suffer serious consequences for interfering.
On another note, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, encouraged his nation to bear arms and resist the Russians. Ukraine recently entered a state of emergency as Russia finished preparations to launch a full-scale invasion. Zelenskyy said, “We are different, but that is not a reason to be enemies.” War is soon to break out between the nations and people can only hope that this war gets resolved peacefully and does not spark an even larger war.
President Biden stands alongside the Ukrainians and condemns Russia. Biden said, “The prayers of the entire world are with the people of Ukraine tonight as they suffer an unprovoked and unjustified attack by Russian military forces,” The United States of America has imposed sanctions on the Russian Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline and has sent troops to the region. Millions of dollars worth of equipment have also been sent to Ukraine to aid them against their invaders.
Russia started the fighting by aiding separatists groups within Ukraine where a shell killed two soldiers. The separatist groups have been attacking more than 30 different settlements. This war is not going to end soon, but the world can hope that it comes to a diplomatic resolution and a large-scale war does not occur.
As of 2:30 on Feb. 24, President Joe Biden added new sanctions. Russia has begun its military operations in Ukraine and has taken the world by storm. The United States will deploy more soldiers to Europe in wake of Russia advances, but the soldiers will not be sent to Ukraine. “Our forces are not, and will not be, engaged in the conflict with Russia Ukraine,” said President Biden, “Our forces are not going to Europe to fight in Ukraine, but to defend our NATO allies and reassure those allies in the east.”