80 Years Later, A New War

By: David Moreno

Photos: Unsplash

It is perhaps any country’s worst nightmare to enter war where it all seems to be lost. On February 24th 2022, Russian President Vladamir Putin announced a military operation inside Ukraine, more specifically an invasion among the citizens of Ukraine and its government.

It is perhaps any country’s worst nightmare to enter war where it all seems to be lost. On February 24th 2022, Russian President Vladamir Putin announced a military operation inside Ukraine, more specifically an invasion among the citizens of Ukraine and its government. President Putin also warned there would be dire consequences if any other country decided to intervene in this conflict, “Whoever would try to stop us and further create threats to our country, to our people, should know that Russia’s response will be immediate and lead you to such consequences that you have never faced in your history. We are ready for any outcome,” said Putin. President Biden and other members of NATO have announced that they will impose severe sanctions on Russia for its brutal attack on Ukraine. However, President Biden reassured in his national address that the United States will not be deploying troops inside Ukrainian grounds. Still the Biden administration will be taking precautionary measures as they will be deploying troops in nations who are members of NATO. President Biden made this decision as a result of his beliefs that President Putin has more ambitions than just to take over Ukrainian territory; he believes his goal is to restore the former Soviet Union. President Biden is not the only leader who shares this belief, as more NATO allies are taking further cautions in case of an additional territorial invasion on its members. All allies are supporting Ukraine and all of its people, they are doing their best to contain this conflict but it only seems it might get worse before it gets better for the Ukrainians.

     Over the course of the last four days the world has been in shock at the brutal attacks by Russian troops at the border. Countless civilians are now living under deadly conditions, drones and missiles flying into historic cities of Ukraine. Including coming close to destroying some of their most important historical cathedrals. Thousands of individuals have sent out their thoughts and prayers to all citizens of Ukraine who willingly chose to stay and fight for their country’s sovereignty. Impressively, before the start of play off game in the UEFA Europa League F.C Barcelona and Napoli’s players posed together for a photograph with a sign that said “STOP WAR.” Other celebrities have shown their support to the citizens of Ukraine by creating funds that would help those living in underground tunnels. More nations have offered to allow Ukrainian refugees to enter their spaces and provide them with housing until the war deescalates. Additionally, the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) have now chosen to relocate this year’s final to Paris, it was set to take in Saint Petersburg Russia. It is another sanction imposed on the Russian government for its invasion and violation of human rights, soccer is not the only sport that is condemning this invasion, the Formula One Russian Grand Prix has also been canceled. Russia’s citizens are beginning to feel the consequences of these sanctions, Russia’s Central Bank is unable to make transactions, Ruble (Russia’s currency) sinks 40% and the Russian stock market is momentarily closed. It is only a matter of time that President Putin feels the wrath of the Ukrainian military and its citizens.

     In the days ahead there will be stronger economic sanctions imposed on the Russian federation, as of right now citizens of Ukraine are resisting Russian forces at all cost and putting up a bigger fight than what President Putin had anticipated. 

     Courage, leadership, and resilience is what keeps Ukrainians fighting in the war, many have shouted that Ukraine will overcome this conflict and remain victorious over the Russian Federation’s forces. One Ukrainian soldier in particular, Vitaly Skakun, made the ultimate sacrifice to prevent further Russian forces from entering Ukraine. Skakun blew one of the main bridges in Henichesk, in the southern region of Kherson. There was no time to detonate remotely so he notified his crew that he was going to do it manually. He gave his life for his country and now Skakun is hailed as a hero by all Ukraine. Most importantly, President Volodymyr Zelensky has gained the respect and admiration of the entire world. He was elected as President in 2019 and won the popular vote with a landslide of 70%. Prior to his political career Zelensky was a comic and television host, he is demonstrating to the world that regardless of career path one chooses one can still make a huge impact in a different field. When the United States offered Zelensky a way to evacuate he responded with the following statement, “I need ammunition, not a ride.” Zelensky is determined to continue the fight against all odds, despite Russia outnumbering their troops, President Zelesnky and the rest of Ukraine will be fighting in the front lines, using whatever materials they have at their disposal, like molotov cocktails, bearing firearms, or just their God given strength. 

     Millions of Ukrainian citizens have chosen to join the fight for their country, among those citizens are some of their sporting heroes and well-known public figures:

• Anastasia Lenna (Former Miss Ukraine)
• Vasily Lomachenko (Professional boxer and current WBO Lightweight Champion)
• Oeksandr Usyk (Professional Boxer and current Unified Heavyweight Champion)
• Vitali Klitschko (Mayor of Kyiv former professional boxer)
• Wladimir Klitschko (Former professional boxer) 

They are all demonstrating that despite their careers and professions they are still human beings who take pride in their nationality. Nothing will stop these Ukrainian heroes from defending their nation from any harm. Additionally, President Zelensky has taken extreme measures and has now signed an immediate application for the European Union. This could escalate tensions even further but it is unclear as to what the next move is for the Russian Federation. 

    Peace talks were taken in Belarus, but it seems it did not deescalate this issue, however, during these peaceful negotiations President Zelensky signed an application for Ukraine to form part of the European Union. Members of the EU have yet to accept Ukraines application, but in the recent European address President Zelesnky gave a remarkable speech where he highlighted that Ukrainian children deserve to live and bear the consequences of a war that they have no part of. 

     Many countries around the world have condemned the Kremlin’s invasion of Ukraine, but Russian citizens have manifested themselves to demand President Putin to put an end to this war. Protests broke out in major cities of Russia, from Saint Petersburg to Moscow, however most of these protestors had to bear the consequences of their actions. Over 1,800 protestors were arrested, other citizens were victims of police brutality and suffered petrifying injuries.

     The world is supporting Ukraine and its people, but most, if not all, Ukrainian citizens demand the world do more than just show support. Ammunition, accepting refugees into their countries are some additional ways Ukrainians can receive help. This is only the beginning, and many experts have stated that things could get worse before they get better. In the end the people of Ukraine will resist and will not give up their nation nor their identity for a man’s political gain. Peace, love, and forgiveness are the ultimate gifts one could give and Ukrainians are no different than other kind people. 

“Imagine all the people Livin’ for today. Imagine there’s no countries. It isn’t hard to do. Nothing to kill or die for.” Imagine by John Lennon.