Once again history is repeating itself in the worst way; an invasion that led to a war is underway for the world to see. Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia, has rationalized that the country of Ukraine is a threat to his way of life. The invasion of Ukraine is not only a threat to democracy for the people of the Eastern European countries but a threat to freedom for all people in the region.
Former Calhoun student Yuliya Alekseeva Keener is a Ukrainian living in America with family ties to her home country. While she is now an American citizen, she has extended family still in her home country.
“Ukrainian people are courageous and strong and will stand till the end to protect their land, their freedom, their children,” said Keener.
This tension started in 2014 when Ukraine ousted a Russian aligned president. Ukraine sought to become in line with westernized countries and showed an interest in joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Russia disagreed with that ideology and claimed that it was only interested in “protecting ethnic Russia and Russian speakers from Ukrainian persecution,” said Davis. (US News and World Report).
The first strike on the country of Ukraine from Russia happened on February 24, 2022 in the capital city of Kyiv. There is no clear count of the number of soldiers killed on either side.
“During this time we have truly become one,” Zelenskyy said. “We forgave each other, we started loving each other, we help each other, we are worried for each other.” ( quoted in USA Today)
Throughout his tactics, Putin maintained that his troops were merely securing the borders of his country. All the while he was building up his army for attack. He believes in a centralized government that rules through authoritarian.
“Putin is a communist dictator who does not value human life,” said Keener. All males between the ages of 18 and 60 years old will fight in the war for Ukraine freedom. There is concerned safety for all people living in Ukraine. Sadly to say women and children are being killed.
