LHStoday will be adding updates as the story progresses.

February 25th, 2021 5:45 p.m 

Over the last 24 hours, Russia has officially invaded Ukraine. Here’s everything you need to know.

Who?

Early Thursday morning Russia started firing missiles and advancing into Ukraine. As of now, the European Union has frozen Putin’s assets and earlier today President Biden said the US will be joining in cutting off their sanctions. These sanctions include cutting off Russia’s largest bank from the US.

Ukrainian President Zelensky has spoken saying that he thinks his family is the next target. He also said about an hour ago that tonight will make or break the future of the capital, Kyiv, saying “… the fate of Ukraine is being decided right now.” As thousands have started to flee to neighboring countries, Zelensky put a ban on military-aged men from crossing the borders. The US believes that Kyiv will fall within a matter of hours or weeks and Russia will take regime control.

What? 

Russia has been firing missiles and has not stopped as of now. They fired into an elementary school yesterday, no one was killed and there were only three injuries from teachers. They took control of the Kyiv airport and the Chernobyl power plant which is extremely radioactive. Right now there is a battle for control over Kyiv but no outcome as of right now.

Look at this map to see where the air raids and ground fighting has been happening.

Why? 

It’s now become clear that Putin wants to overthrow the democratic country. Putin has said multiple times in the past that he doesn’t want Ukraine to become part of NATO, but he also wants NATO to be what it was pre-1997 borders. In his eyes, he is saving Ukraine from being controlled by a Neo-Nazi government.

When? 

The most important thing right now is Kyiv. There’s no telling what will happen to the capital and when that will happen. The Biden Administration has said that Kyiv could fall in hours or it could fall in weeks.

What now? 

Right now troops have been sent to neighboring countries but we are not on the front lines. This is a scary time and there isn’t much we can do at the moment. If seeing the news is starting to overwhelm you it’s okay to take a break. It’s called ‘doomscrolling‘ and it’s normal to be glued to your phone, computer, or TV anxiously waiting for something to happen. Stay calm and remember it’s going to be okay.

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.