After years of tensions between neighboring countries Russia and Ukraine, a full-blown war is currently raging in the northern hemisphere. The long-standing tensions intensified swiftly when Ukraine began to make moves to join NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization). According to BBC news, on Feb. 24 Russian President Vladimir Putin declared that Russia could no longer feel “safe to develop and exist” with Ukraine as a close proximity threat. For months, Russian troops had massed around the Ukraine on three sides, but action did not occur until Thursday, Feb. 24 with missile attacks spreading throughout the nation of Ukraine. According to CNN, early the next morning, the country’s capital, Kyiv, was under attack. 

Ukrainian citizens took shelter or fled the country in an attempt to avoid the horrors of war. Unfortunately, the attacks continued through the following weekend. On Feb. 26, Russian forces continued to approach Kyiv. According to the New York Times, an intense street fight occurred across from the capital and massive bombings shook the city.  By the end of Saturday night, Russian forces had killed at least 198 people and wounded 1,115. 

Sunday, Feb. 27, Russian forces invaded the second-largest city, Kharkiv. Ukrainians continue to fight diligently, resulting in Russia’s inability to capture major cities.  According to CNN, Russia is suffering more losses than originally anticipated, with more than 3,500 Russians killed as of Feb. 26. 

Monday, Feb. 28, Russian and Ukrainian delegations held a conversation in Belarus. The initial talk was not extremely hopeful considering the state of the Ukrainian nation. According to the New York Times, the conversation concluded with renewed bombings in Kharkiv. As of Mar. 1, the talk had no immediate outcomes. 

Tuesday, Mar. 1, Ukraine’s second largest city, Kharkiv, has been under attack with rockets and massive explosions. The Russian president is currently being accused of war crimes after targeting civilian infrastructure. It is predicted that a new wave of Russian forces will be entering Ukraine soon. 

The world is watching the conflict with worried and testful eyes. Oresund Bridge in Denmark, the Empire State Building in New York, Brandenburg gate in Berlin, the Eiffel tower in Paris, and many more throughout the world lit up with blue and yellow lights in support of Ukraine. Anti-war protests have also been consistent in Russia. According to The Guardian, thousands of Russians fled to the streets, risking their lives to show their anger and sorrow towards the actions of their president. There have been 1,800 Russian civilians and counting arrested in the country. 

As of Mar. 1, President Joe Biden has sent deployments of troops and fighter jets to allied NATO countries such as Poland and Romania, according to NBC News. President Joe Biden is also preparing to help the Ukraine against cyberattacks if necessary. According to CNN, Biden has made it extremely clear that no US troops will be sent to Ukraine as of right now. He said, “Our forces are not going to Europe to fight in Ukraine but to defend our NATO allies and reassure those allies in the east.” 

The Russia Ukraine crisis continues, impacting the lives of millions. In a generation where the war can be viewed from all corners of the world, the deaths and horrors in the Ukraine are more raw and real. The Red Ink encourages its readers to continue to stay updated on the news regarding this crisis.