2022: Russian Invasion of Ukraine

By C. Paixao

Since February 24, 2022, Russia and Ukraine have had no official diplomatic ties. The Russian Federation and Ukraine are currently in a state of war: the Russo-Ukrainian War, which broke out in 2014 when Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine. Russia invaded and attacked Ukraine on a broad front in February 2022 and both have been in war since. 

According to the United Nations, fighting has arisen in various cities across Ukraine, including the capital, Kyiv, and over half a million people have fled to bordering countries. On Thursday morning, numerous areas across Ukraine were attacked after Russian President Vladimir Putin proclaimed the start of a "special military operation" and threatened bloodshed unless Ukrainian soldiers lay down their guns. After months of uncertainty about Moscow's intentions with the soldiers it had massed on the Ukrainian border, the decision was made. According to US and Ukrainian intelligence authorities, at least 150,000 Russian forces ringed the nation on three sides.  

Although President Vladimir Putin has not been yet clear on his reasons for the invasion of Ukraine, he addressed the public that he believes that Ukraine is not a “real” country and it is a fiction created by communists. Moreover, the Russian Minister of Defense said, in a Press Conference, that President Putin wants to “free” the Ukrainians as they are living in a country led by a Nazi government. However, the Ukrainian representative of state, President Volodymyr Zelensky, has responded to this Russian allegation by asking them “How could I be a Nazi?”, as he is Jewish.   

The Kremlin seems to be preparing for war by transporting military equipment, medical units, and even blood to the front lines. Russia has stockpiled 150,000 troops near Ukraine, according to President Joe Biden. In this context, diplomatic negotiations between Russia and the US and its allies have so far failed to produce any breakthroughs. 

On February 15, Russia announced plans to "partially withdraw troops," possibly indicating that the Russian President, Vladimir Putin, is eager to deescalate the situation. However, the war has not improved in the following days. Since then, the US has claimed that Putin has increased his force numbers, and US President Joe Biden told reporters on Friday that he is "convinced" that Russia has chosen to attack Ukraine. 

Since the beginning of the Russian invasion on Ukraine, many nations have positioned themselves on Ukraine’s side, supporting them and aiding them with supplies, such as medicine, weaponry and food. However, some countries have yet to position themselves and until further notice, are seen as neutral countries. Furthermore, schools, administrative buildings and many infrastructure in Ukraine have been bombed, attacked and destroyed by the Russians. Volodymyr Zelensky has refused to back down and has repeatedly tried to settle the war with Russia, however, Russia won’t back down.  ​

Hence, the war continues and propagates itself into many cities in Ukraine. Disasters happen in the city, leading to the death of citizens and destruction of buildings. The World economy has gotten worst, as oil prices, wheat and other commodities risks increasing already high inflation. According to the U.N. refugee agency, 677,000 people have fled Ukraine, and more than four million people may be compelled to leave Ukraine eventually. The conflict between the nations continues to intensify as Ukraine and the rest of the world suffer the consequences and try to reach an agreement to this ongoing situation.