Approaching the three month mark for when Russia first invaded Ukraine, the world has mainly watched as ‘bystanders in horror’. The Russians, clearly more militarily advanced and capable, have met fierce resistance by their neighbors in a showing of patriotism and strength. The support for Russian president Vladimir Putin has begun to dwindle, with more military officers refusing to fight, along with the public’s refusal to back up the war.
It is clear to the world that Putin believed that the invasion of Ukraine would last at most a week or two. With international statements saying that he was only planning on ‘de-nazifying’ Ukraine for the benefit of the Ukrainian citizens, the global community stood anxiously, hoping that Putin would not be crazy enough to actually follow through with his words.
On February 22nd, Russia officially invaded Crimea and the Ukraine, leading to the sharp outcry from many members of NATO and neighboring countries such as Poland and Lithuania. President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine has, to the shock of the world, stayed in Ukraine despite the dangers, and has become a transnational symbol of peace and unity. Zelensky, in his secret underground bunker, continues to give speeches to the global community, stressing the importance of diplomacy.
Regardless of what Putin wants others to believe in, his actions have spoke louder than his words. The atrocities committed on innocent Ukrainian citizens through surface-to-air missiles have killed dozens of people who have done nothing wrong personally to the Russians.
In a time already so difficult, Putin and his mind have caused yet another worry to communities about international democracy. His attitude toward the war is set, and the world will most likely have to continue this pointless war, where more and more civilians and soldiers will be killed.
Sources:
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2022/05/22/world/europe/ukraine-war-crimes.html
https://www.cnn.com/2022/05/22/europe/ukraine-russian-officer-resigns/index.html
Image Credits: Bernat Armangue/The Associated Press
