On Wednesday Feb. 24, Russian military forces officially invaded the independent country of Ukraine with plans to overtake the country, forcing all Ukrainian citizens to live under Russian control. 

Why did Russia invade Ukraine?

Spearheaded by President Vladimir Putin, Russian forces invaded Ukraine last week in an effort to bring the two nations together. In an article Putin published in 2012, he said, “Russians and Ukrainians were one people — a single whole.” Putin feels threatened from what modern Ukraine has become, and he believes their attempts to join NATO, and even their independence, was a mistake. Since the separation of the Soviet Union President Putin has longed for Ukraine to join Russia, and now, he has taken violent action to get what he wants. 

What has Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelensky’s role been throughout this? What has his reaction been?

President Zelensky has been adamant since the invasion that he plans to stay, fight, and lead with his people and their country. Despite his limited political experience previous to his election, Zelensky has shown courage and leadership throughout this week’s events. Though he doubted that the invasion would occur, and downplayed the severity earlier in the year, he has risen to the challenge by standing by his people and serving as a reliable leader. Similarly to the majority of Ukrainian citizens, Zelensky has never held a gun, but now he is on the frontlines determined to fight for the continued independence of his country, and he is determined to denounce Putin.  

Does Ukraine have enough military forces to withstand Russia?

Ukraine’s military was certainly not prepared for this invasion. The small Ukrainian military has significantly less military personnel, aircrafts, tanks, ammunition, budget, and training. But, where they lack militaristic power, they make up for in willpower and perseverance. All men aged 18-60 are required by the government to take up arms against Russia, and stay back and fight for their home country, something that is not an issue for most Ukrainian citizens. Many Ukrainians are full of pride on behalf of their nation, and therefore they are eager to enlist. In an interview with NPR, 22-year old college student Vitaliy Shutov said, “‘If I have to, then I will. Of course, I mean, I’ve never held a gun, for example. I don’t know how to shoot it. I don’t know how to use it. But if I get drafted, then I’ll be OK with it. And I’ll go fight.’”

How has this attack affected the civilian population of Ukraine?

This attack on Ukrainian cities has united Ukrainian citizens and radiated national pride across the country. But, it has also created a lot of displacement and confusion among Ukrainian citizens. Women and children have been forced to leave their homes with no guarantee of a return. Many are evacuating the country, fleeing to neighboring places like Poland to seek asylum and safety from violence. This has been declared the biggest refugee crisis in Europe this century. Those who are not fighting are running for their lives from rampant Russian military forces.

As of right now, what Ukrainian cities have been invaded?

So far, a fairly large portion of southern Ukraine has been seized by Russian forces. Russian forces have been unsuccessful in obtaining the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv, but are beginning an increase in military focus on the capital. Russian forces fired strikes on Kyiv on Tuesday, destroying some buildings. 

How has the U.S. rest of the world reacted to this? How will other countries be affected?

The U.S. and countries in the European Union have rallied around Ukraine in support, denouncing Putin and his violent actions. “President Putin has chosen a premeditated war that will bring a catastrophic loss of life and human suffering,” said President Joe Biden. Many of these countries have put sanctions on Russia. These sanctions are a penalty of Russia for breaking international law. Financial sanctions imposed have frozen Russia’s central bank access, limiting them to $630 billion international dollars. Russia has reacted in contempt, threatening sanctions to the West and Europe in response but shutting off gas prices. 

What is NATO and how are they helping Ukraine in the crisis?

NATO is the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, which is an intergovernmental organization made up of 30 European and North American countries. It exists to defend the citizens of its member countries by bringing together the governments and the armed forces of all 30 allies, and by guaranteeing that if one country is attacked, they all are. In this case, Ukraine is not a NATO member because they do not meet certain political, economic, and military requirements, and therefore, they stand alone in defending themselves against Russia. 20 of the existing NATO countries have supplied Ukraine with arms in order to raise their chances at fighting off the Russian military. 

What does this mean for Russia and Ukraine and world politics in the future?

Although there is no definitive answer to what the future may hold, this could result in the destruction and conquering of Ukraine, with Russia as their leader. Or, this war could last for a very long time. No matter what the outcome of this conflict is, it is likely that the repercussions will be prevalent in the world for years to come. This will also isolate Russia from world politics because of Putin’s actions.