On February 21st, 2022, Putin initiated his attack on Ukraine. What would seem as Russia’s president having an episode, would have a deadly outcome. His statement was that a “Full-scale invasion” was underway.

The main focus is to take Kyiv as their own. Putin’s reasons were to “protect” the citizens from their government, which he characterized as “fascist”, and to help the people fight back against them. Of course, this was ruled to be a false justification for war, deemed by the U.S and European allies. 

Why are the Ukranians fighting so passionately? 

On the 24th, Russia bombed Kyiv. This attack was quiet and calculated to send a message that Russia is not backing down. This showed just how far Putin is willing to go to take over Kyiv. On the 26th, Russian bombed Kyiv. The missile launched into an apartment complex, causing outrage from nearby citizens. The invasion is in full swing, and it has only gotten worse from here. The Russian military has been moving closer and closer to the capital while we sit in school. The people of Ukraine have every right to fight back harder than before. 

Recently, 13 soldiers of Ukraine had been killed by Russian forces. Their people are being slaughtered right before them. Being used as pawns in Putin’s game. Nor does Putin care about his people dying in the name of war. The citizens are not afraid to voice their opinion on the issues. Threatening the Russian military, and capturing them as well. 

Ukraine had regained their freedom from the Soviet Union in 1991 after being a satellite nation. They’re reclaiming their democracy, their government, and their freedoms as an independent state. This is the reason they are fighting. To stop Russia from colonizing their land again. There’s no right for anyone to try to claim what’s not theirs. This is a fight for their lives, country, homes, and futures.

What is Putin really after?

Even though claims have stated he’s after Kyiv, there’s also something else that the people have been speculating. The president of Ukraine, Zelensky, has stated that he knows Putin is after him. Another claim from Zelensky was that Putin wants him dead, just like Ukraine’s military. Although these claims could make anyone hide away in fear, that’s not what Zelensky is doing. He has posted several images and videos on social media showing him not running away from Ukraine like the media said he had.  Instead, the president is fighting in the war alongside his military, providing food, shelter, and any other necessities his people may need. 

It has also been noted that Poland has joined this support system, in supplying Ukrainian people with asylum in their country. Poland has welcomed the citizens of Ukraine like their own people, showing their full support in whatever they may need. Zelensky has made it clear however, that he is not going anywhere and will continue to stand beside his country. Another big step he’s taken is the broadcasts on television. He’s provided recipes for Molotov cocktails, a crude incendiary device typically consisting of a bottle filled with flammable liquid and with a means of ignition, to ensure the safety of the people in case they need to fight back. Hundreds of people gathering to do anything they can to slow down the process of this war really shows how united this country is. 

Global involvement and responses 

In a better light, there was a recent meeting amongst the ambassadors and presidents of the world. President Zelensky pleaded for Ukraine to join the European Union, otherwise known as the EU. “We have proven that at minimum we are exactly the same as you” he spoke to the board on Tuesday. “So do prove that you are with us, do prove that you will not let us go, do prove that you are indeed Europeans”. Although they were welcomed with open arms, the process will not be quick. 

To join the EU, a state needs to fulfill economic and political conditions called the Copenhagen Criteria. It took Poland until 2004 to finally be accepted, and they applied back in 1994. An EU official said it could take as long as 18 months to evaluate the country’s application before it even goes to member countries. Metsola, the president of the EU, is one of the biggest supporters towards Ukraine at the moment. At the session she spoke “Mr. President, thank you for showing the world what it means to stand up”. She also pointed out several different heroic and brave acts shown by Ukraine. Time is the most important value in this situation and it can only tell if Ukraine will be accepted into the EU. Being accepted however, could finally provide the protection and safety they need from Russia.