Many followed news of the Russia-Ukraine war very closely at the start of the war, as protests and fundraisers emerged around the country and worldwide. But wait! What’s currently going on in Ukraine? Why did it start in the first place?

How and why did it start?

The Russia-Ukraine War officially started on February 24th, 2024, when Russia invaded Ukraine and tried to take the capital, Kyiv. However, it technically started in February 2014 with attackers even before that, when Russia annexed (illegally acquiring a place as part of your country) the Crimean peninsula, which previously was part of Ukraine. Basically, Russia took the Crimean peninsula and said it belonged to Russia. (The U.S. did that with Hawaii)

Why do people want to win?

For many world leaders, this war isn’t just about Ukraine getting its territory back: it’s much more than that. Ukraine has a democratic government, so many countries see this as a way of spreading democracy. Not to mention, China has formally allied with Russia, so winning this war gives the U.S. government something to brag about. Also, many believe that Putin intends to rebuild the U.S.S.R. and build an empire since Ukraine was once part of a Russian Communist Empire, the U.S.S.R. 

What’s going on now?

The Russia-Ukraine War is not a week-by-week conflict. Every day, new things happen, and new pieces and strategies get played, much like chess. Most recently, on May 9th, Russia celebrated its military strength with a “Victory Parade”, which is most likely trying to show off Russia’s military strength and Russian patriotism. This “Victory Parade” is basically like a group of goats on one side of a river telling the others on the other side of the river how green the grass is how plentiful the food is on the other side, and how they are winning a war with another group over a certain area they both want. This might not be true, but the main reason for this is to make people think that this is true.

On May 5th, Vladimir Putin ordered nuclear weapon drills apparently to “deter the West.” Lots of other countries call the US and Europe, “the West”, so Putin is trying to scare off the American government and the EU (A group of most European countries). It’s like a snake waving its rattle, trying to scare something or someone.  On May 2nd, The U.S. Department of State has formally accused Russia of using chemical weapons, such as tear gas. International law prohibits the use of “the production and use of chemical weapons, by using the “choking agent” chloropicrin against Ukrainian forces.” However, Russia and

Ukraine have both accused each other of using chemical weapons innumerable times, so this is honestly just banter from both sides trying to find something to accuse the other side of and impose restrictions and win the war. Also, this determines how the Russia-Ukraine War will be seen in the future, so both sides want to win and make sure that they are shown as the ‘good’ guys.  

Not to mention, President Joesph Biden recently signed a bill that allows the U.S. to spend some $60 billion for Ukraine’s military aid. This crucial military aid will help Ukraine very much so with the war, as Russia has lots more supplies and better equipment. Basically, more chess pieces. “But its forces are running critically low on ammunition, troops, and air defenses. Its much-heralded counter-offensive last year failed to dislodge the Russians from the ground they had seized and now Moscow is gearing up for a summer offensive” says General Robert Barrons, the former UK Joint Forces commander (BBC).  However, Ukraine is already low on chess pieces, so the $60 billion will certainly prove crucial to who wins the war. 

On April 17th, “Three Russian missiles slammed into a downtown area of the northern Ukrainian city of Chernihiv on Wednesday, hitting an eight-floor apartment building and killing at least 17 people, authorities said. At least 61 people, including three children, were wounded in the morning attack, Ukrainian emergency services said…” Unfortunately, when chess pieces are played and strategies are executed, innocents on both sides can get hurt.

However, in the midst of all of this chaos, there is hope. According to Fidelity Charitable, 25% of Americans have worked to support Ukraine economically, whether by donating to charity or supporting Ukrainian businesses. Also, Amnesty International reports a 6% increase in giving since 2021. Not to mention, the U.S. has donated $113.4 Billion to Ukraine as of May 16th, according to CNN. Thankfully, there’s not all bad news. When Ukraine’s chess pieces diminish, people worldwide have been quick to offer support and ensure everyone’s basic needs are met, even in the face of an adversary. Likewise, people have also been quick to offer support not just to Ukraine, but also to Russian citizens, ensuring that no matter what side of the war you are on, or what country you’re from, everyone’s basic needs are being met. Despite all the conflict, innocent deaths, and despair, people worldwide have made sure that everyone’s needs are met. Think of all of the countries of the world as one big family. When someone gets hurt and their needs aren’t met, others step in to help.