By Hannah Guanti
It has been one year since Russia invaded Ukrainian territory. On February 24, 2022 Russia officially entered into Ukraine and effectively started the war that has been ongoing ever since. As this year has gone by, the world has changed in a number of ways globally and for the individual people but for the Ukrainians, they are still living in a war zone. So, as the anniversary of fighting comes this year, it is important to highlight what has happened over this year.
Almost one year ago, Vladimir Putin launched troops into the independent state of Ukraine in order to maintain Russia’s influence. This action was furthered by Ukraine’s increased interest in joining NATO. The ongoing months would leave thousands of civilians and soldiers killed in the fighting from both sides. Nevertheless, countless Russian attacks have resulted in civilian deaths including those at a train station, in a theater, and hospitals.
As the summer came and went, there were attempts at reconciliation between the two sides including a mediation by Turkey. But, as September came, Putin illegally annexed all four regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhya.
Currently, Ukraine seems to be much more capable to counter Russia’s attacks much better than at the beginning of the war. They are also being further helped by increased foreign aid including continued support from the United States.
Now one year later, the fighting has not let up and we can anticipate it to continue. Continued support for the Ukrainian people is needed from the American people, as exhibited in President Biden’s spontaneous visit to the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv in the days leading up to the war’s anniversary.
