On Feb. 24, 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine. While we students were listening to lectures, bombs were being dropped on Ukrainian homes and cities. Innocent lives are being lost. What can we do about it?

To start understanding how we can help, we have to understand why this conflict is taking place. The Russo-Ukrainian War has been ongoing since Feb. 2014. Russia invaded Ukraine in 2014, annexing Crimea using war and political tactics. Russia’s current invasion is only an escalation of events that have taken place in recent years. 

Putin launched this recent invasion in Feb. and made a nationally televised speech broadcast that his goal was to “demilitarize Ukraine.” The government of Russia refuses claims that they are at war but instead declares it is only pursuing a “special military operation” in Ukraine to this date. Russia believes that Ukraine joining the Western defensive alliance, NATO, would be a massive national security threat and wants to ensure that they do not join.

Currently, neither country seems to be in a winning position due to both sides having their respective strengths and weaknesses. The United States has a clear supporting stance towards Ukraine due to the unprovoked invasion and has sent billions of dollars worth of aid to combat Russia. As of Sept., more than 14,000 civilian verified casualties have resulted from the conflict. 

With no end in sight, we Americans need to continue to support Ukraine to combat Russia and Vladimir Putin’s conquest. We need to continue to sanction Russia and promote the end of this conflict and punish Russia for its actions. If we do not help our allies then we are not protecting our American ideals of freedom and independence. Whether it be sending humanitarian supplies to help Ukrainian refugees, volunteering to help Ukrainian communities, donating money, or promoting Ukrainian journalism to gather support, doing your part will help Ukraine persevere.