Something you may have seen in the news lately is the intense conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Though there has been a lot of conversation about it in recent days, the situation has a history.
Even after it declared its independence from the Soviet Union in August 1991, Ukraine has had tensions with Russia. From revolutions against leaders supported by Russia to gas cutoffs, the two now independent countries still seemed to hold negative feelings toward each other.
However, violence between them arose again in 2014. After protests began in February, then president Victor Yanukovych went to Russia and left the Ukrainian government to fend for itself. It sided with the protestors and Russia retaliated, gaining complete control over the Crimean Peninsula. Though an attempt at peace was made in September of that year, it did not last long. Since then, Russian troops have stood their ground on Ukrainian borders, particularly in the Donbas region. The violence has included concentration camps run by separatists.
Despite what it may seem like, this is not a territorial problem. The main point of contention is NATO – the National Atlantic Trade Organization. Russia has repeatedly expressed its wish for Ukraine not to join the alliance. The organization itself has, on multiple occasions, stated that it will allow Ukraine to join. Even though Ukraine has such explicit permission, they have not had much time or opportunity to focus on the entry process.
Several countries, including the US, are now sending aid to Ukraine. There is also a discussion of placing sanctions on Russia, though it is unclear in what areas those will happen. Leaders have expressed concerns over damaging their own relationships with the country.
Among the most recent occurrences was a vehicle explosion on Feb. 18. Ukraine suspects this was yet another attempt by Russia and the separatists to continue the violence and get Ukraine to act. Accusations are being thrown back and forth between Russia and Ukraine. Many worry that Russia will invade. Vladimir Putin has denied it.
The pandemic – which has already created financial concerns and instability for many across the globe – has not stopped the separatists. Houses are being turned to rubble. In the years since all of this began, tens of thousands of Ukrainians have lost their homes and lives.
This story is still developing. Several news outlets, including CNN, are providing live updates on the situation.
Carly Webster
Reporter