This situation is currently developing and some information may be outdated.

Background:

February 24, 2022: Air raid sirens sounded for the first time since World War II in Lviv, Ukraine. This is due to the currently ongoing large-scale invasion Russia has launched. There are many differing and often conflicting reasoning for this. One may be Ukraine’s desire to join NATO being the catalyst for Russia’s military attack. In addition to this, Putin has stated in the past that Ukraine as an independent country is an ‘artificial construct’ and in a 2005 speech to Russians stated that the breakup of the Soviet Union is “the greatest geopolitical catastrophe of the century.”  

Heroes of Ukraine:

Despite the horror of the situation, individuals’ actions have become a shining beacon in the dark and have become definitive of Ukrainians strength and love of country.   

Zmiinyi (Snake) Island: February 24, a Russian warship approaches Snake Island, a Ukrainian Military Outpost and asks for surrender under threat of bombing. The response from Ukraine? “Go f*** yourself.” Originally all soldiers were presumed dead and were to be rewarded the title of Hero of Ukraine posthumously, however there are tentative reports that the 13 soldiers have been taken as prisoners of war.

Sunflowers: A Ukrainian woman is hailed for her bravery after her confrontation with a heavily armed Russian soldier. She offered him sunflower seeds so that ‘when he died, they might bloom.’

President Volodymyr Zelensky: Ukrainian President Zelensky becomes a symbol of hope and defiance as he turns down the U.S. ‘s offer of evacuation instead stating, “The fight is here: I need ammunition, not a ride.” He has been fighting on the frontlines along with his fellow countrymen and has defined true leadership and bravery.

Developing Events:

Kyiv holds on: 

As Russian troops reached Kyiv, the capital, many feared Ukraine had been lost. This was not the case as Ukraine put up a fierce defense and still now (Feb. 28, 2022) holds Kyiv as possible peace talks start. This is an incredible show of heart and perseverance, something Putin was not expecting. 

Refugee Situation:

Refugees are fleeing Ukraine and crossing borders to neighboring countries including Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Hungary and Moldova. As of March 1, 2022 a reported 830,000 people have entered these countries from Ukraine. The number will soon hit 1 million with approximately 50,000 refugees entering Poland alone. There is however controversy on the Poland -Ukraine Border as cases of racism have been reported on both sides.

Foreign Sanctions/ Relations:  

Russia itself as a people has shown little support for the conflict. Anti- war demonstrations have been going on throughout all of Russia, with one online petition reaching 930,000 signatures and over 3,000 people detained for protesting.

Switzerland has also broken two centuries of neutral policy to place sanctions on Russia. Between this and the heavy sanctions coming from all around the world the Russian Ruble is now worth less than a cent of U.S. currency.