Borodianka was home to 13,000 people before the war, but now, most fled after Russia's invasion. What was left of the town, after intense shelling and devastating airstrikes, was then occupied by Russian forces.
The 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine has become one of the biggest issues in the world today. As tensions between Russia and Ukraine have rapidly escalated, the need for peace has become more urgent than ever. With the rising number of Ukrainian refugees, constant attacks from Russia, and the worldwide criticism towards Russian political leaders, the Russo-Ukrainian war is currently under the global spotlight.
On February 24, Russian President Vladimir Putin declared to “launch a special military operation” in need of Russia’s safety from the constant threats allegedly made by Ukraine. Putin announced the military operation to be held in Donbas, a region in south-eastern Ukraine, through the justification that the action would be a “pursuance of the treaties of friendship and mutual assistance.” The president asserted that the Russians were in danger of Ukraine’s genocide for the past eight years; however, this claim soon became an issue due to the lack of evidence. Hence, the question as to why Russia started an invasion was raised. In his speech in February, Putin stated that the NATO alliance was expanding eastward, which Ukraine has previously aspired to join. Russians perceived this action as a risk to Russia’s safety and sought to prevent Ukraine from being influenced by the West which they called an “empire of lies." This was the reason behind Russia’s attack on Ukraine as Putin officially declared to “demilitarize and de-Nazify Ukraine.”
Since the day Putin announced Russia’s “military operation”, Russia has posed countless attacks on Ukraine, resulting in an estimated number of 200 civilian deaths and 1,500 casualties. More than 3 million Ukrainians have fled to neighboring countries in hope of finding refuge. The European Union has announced that new emergency funds and resources will be available to support Ukrainian refugees while denouncing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as “geopolitical terrorism” to demand Russia cease military actions. The European Union, United Nations, NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization), and G7 are cooperating together in response to Russia’s invasion. Among the many members of such international organizations, the United States is one leading country to have supported Ukraine. President Joe Biden of the US has aided Ukraine with approximately 350 million dollars worth of weapons, further stating that “the world will hold Russia accountable.” Likewise, many global leaders have expressed their sympathy and support for Ukraine.
Meanwhile, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine has been globally praised for his actions as leader of his country amidst the war through his determination to keep Ukraine safe. Zelensky has decided to remain in Kyiv despite the high risk of Russia’s attack on the region. “I’m not going to hide, and I have no fear of anybody or anything”, stated the Ukrainian President. Furthermore, Zelensky recently announced a call for a peace talk with Russia, asserting that Ukraine is “ready for negotiations.” The president has previously received a standing ovation for his speech to the European Parliament, continuing to receive worldwide support for his work.
The war has been ongoing for the past several weeks, and whether or not there will be a peace negotiation between Russia and Ukraine is still in question. As Ukraine calls for peace meetings with Russia, many are expecting a near future in which both countries will be seated at the negotiation table. On the other hand, as diplomacy delays each day, many are in doubt about achieving a peaceful compromise. However, the world will continue looking forward to a wave of peace between Russia and Ukraine, as a great number of people actively express their support for this devastating war to come to an end.
Written by Hayun Kim | Associate Editor
Revised by Yu Bin Kwon | Managing Editor
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