Russia vs Ukraine: What’s Happening?

Story by Marcellus Peters-Jackson. Image courtesy of iNews.

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you are aware that Russia and Ukraine have officially gone into a war. This includes air strikes, a declaration of war on live television, and threats of WWIII brought up by Russian President Putin. These series of events have brought with them a LOT of confusion and controversy. What is really happening? 

For those wondering why the war actually started, Ukraine separated itself from Russia, deciding to be a separate country from this nuclear loaded global superpower years ago. But in February, Russian troops invaded the Ukrainian border slowly causing a war of potentially nuclear proportions when it seemed like Ukraine was attempting to join NATO. NATO, or the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, is a military alliance of multiple countries that was originally formed due to the aftermath of WWII.

Due to recent events, Joe Biden and NATO have punished Russia for their war on a smaller country by taking away assistance and sending military weapons to Ukraine. They also have taken away funding from Russia. 

Next, it seems that Putin doesn’t want any country to get involved with the war. He stated, “Anyone who would consider interfering from the outside will face consequences greater than any you have faced in history.” Now essentially, this means that if ANYONE tries to assist Ukraine in the war they will suffer nuclear consequences. 

Ukraine has decided to stay vigilant and not back down against Russia, as their leader, Volodymyr Zelenskyy has decided that Ukraine won’t give up and that they won’t lose. Currently, tens of millions and still growing civilians have been able to escape Ukraine. On the other hand, Russia has attempted to ally with China, who has recently backed away from supporting Russia, and decided to possibly broker a ceasefire. Meanwhile, Russian leaders insist on communication with Ukraine asking them to evacuate civilians to Russia. Although a ridiculous idea, since these are the same people destroying the country, that is what Russia is telling Ukranians. 

The entire world knows about this event, and everyone’s worried. But how do you, the audience, feel about this? Is this really the start of World War III, or maybe something else? 

Marcellus Peters-Jackson is a 7th grade scholar at Friendship Woodridge International School.