What’s Going on in Ukraine?

On the morning of February 24, 2022, the Russian army invaded Ukraine by air striking some of their largest cities—including the capital, Kyiv.  

Russia and Ukraine have had a contentious relationship for decades, as Ukraine was once a part of Russia (the Soviet Union at the time). The Russian President, Vladimir Putin, has wanted to regain control of Ukraine for many years, and is now attempting to do so. 

After the first attack, over 40 Ukrainian soldiers were killed and many were wounded. More than 70 military targets were destroyed.

While many have chosen to flee, others are determined to not let Mr. Putin drive them out of their home. 

Many other countries around the world are feeling the impacts of the invasion. For example, Egypt relies on its wheat sales mainly from Russia and Ukraine. A potential impending war meant less and more expensive wheat for the Egyptian community. In the U.S., gas prices have continued to skyrocket because there have been sanctions placed on the Nord pipeline (one of the largest owned by Russia). 

So, what does this mean to Elon’s student body? 

“It’s scary,” sophomore Carolyn Phair said. “There is already a huge divide politically among American people, and it's unsettling to think that we could be entering a war of that magnitude in the near future and how divided it could make the American people.” 

There’s no telling exactly what will happen soon, as many are waiting for the breaking news updates daily. 

Another sophomore, Jules Hallman, has mentioned that watching and reading a lot of the news stresses her out as she has two brothers in the military. 

“It’s frustrating to me because I feel like the U.S. gets involved in many foreign affairs sometimes,” Hallman said. “I feel like our consistent involvement isn’t always ethical, and it's stressful not knowing what my brothers may have to do with this.”

The threat of war is frightening to so many young adults because they have not experienced one before. 

It’s one of the most extreme fears of the unknown. 

Senior Sophie Gerth spoke on how educating herself on the situation has been vital in her understanding of what happened.

“We’ve never feared for our lives in the ways that Ukrainians are currently,” Gerth said. “We watch through the lens of media, social media in particular, and have the benefit of that shelter. I think that because of this, it’s more important now than ever to dedicate time reading and listening to experts, but also those personally affected by the violence.”

The effects of an invasion like this are devastating in any magnitude. 

To learn more about how to help Ukrainians, click here.