Within the past few days, there’s been a sudden rise in tension with Russia. Right now, the world is watching with worried eyes as Russia could plan to invade Ukraine.

Who? 

Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia, has started making military advances toward Ukraine. Around 100,000 Russian troops have moved along to the Ukraine-Russia border, despite Putin saying that Russia does not plan to invade Ukraine. The European Union and the United States have kept a close eye on Russia, and President Biden is currently considering putting troops on the eastern border of Ukraine to help NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization). The President of Ukraine said a plan a coup was uncovered and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said that the coup could be the first part of the invasion. Nothing is confirmed as of right now. 

Why? 

What does Russia want with Ukraine? Back when Russia was the Soviet Union, Ukraine was part of the Soviet states. Ukraine became independent in 1991 when the Soviet Union fell. Now, Putin wants to reclaim the nation, as it it would result in economic, population, and territory gain. 

When? 

Everything is up in the air at the moment, and there’s no telling when gravity will run its course.

What? 

What happens now? Well, Ukraine is not a NATO member so it doesn’t get the same amount of protection as some nations within. However, we are still political allies and NATO has been helping at the border as early as 2013. As mentioned, President Biden says he doesn’t intend on putting US troops on Ukrainian ground but instead in NATO-protected countries. The administration also sent $200 million dollars worth of weapons to aid Ukraine in December.

LHStoday will be adding updates as the story progresses