Russia’s full-scale military invasion of Ukraine has continued to intensify over the last month. After Russian troops invaded the country, a series of humanitarian disasters unfolded. At least 3 million Ukrainian refugees have fled the country and others are trapped in cities with dwindling supplies such as water and electricity.
On Feb. 24, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a comprehensive military operation against regions in eastern Ukraine. Putin cited the possibility of Ukraine joining NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, as a justification for the Russian Invasion. Putin asserted that Russia cannot feel “safe, develop and exist” due to this perceived “hostile act.”
However, Ukraine is only a close partner to NATO, not a member, meaning they cooperate with NATO but they are not protected by them. Ukraine has since experienced Russian bombing and missiles attacks on heavily populated areas.
In response to Russia’s invasion, President Joe Biden has continued to issue severe sanctions targeting Russia’s largest banks, oil, and gas industries. On March 8, Biden banned imports of oil and natural gas, calling Russia’s attack “unprovoked and unjustified.”
In a press release on Feb. 24, Biden also stated that the U.S will not be sending forces to Ukraine to fight Russia, but instead to NATO Allies in the East. Biden has since talked with NATO leaders and leaders in Germany, Italy, France, and Britain on how to increase the pressure on Russia.
Over 900 civilians have been killed in the conflict so far, including a U.S journalist, and almost 1,500 have been wounded according to NPR. Many refugees have fled to neighboring countries such as Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, and Moldova.
For junior Pauline Owens, born in Moldova, the conflict hits close to home.
“It is tragic,” she said. “This is a needless war that will hurt more people than it will help anyone.”
Moldova has received roughly 300,000 Ukrainian Refugees.
“Moldova is not a large or wealthy country and therefore will need help providing for these extra refugees,” Owens said.” It’s important that we’re helping our Ukrainian neighbors, I just pray for supplies that are needed to sustain this growing number of people.”Russian attacks continue as they attempt to capture Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital. You can follow a live update on the conflict by The New York Times here.
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