Since 2014, tensions between Ukraine and Russia have been ongoing, with the threat of war looming large. Following heightened tensions to begin 2022, Russia officially began an invasion on Feb. 24, and a large-scale invasion followed. Since the invasion began, Ukraine has defended against Russian forces with a large amount of fighting occurring in Ukraine’s capital city, Kyiv. In a move to strengthen the defense, Ukraine banned the movement of males between the ages of 18 and 60.
After fighting ensued, nations across the world began imposing sanctions on Russia in an effort to slow or even stop the invasion. Recently, President Joe Biden announced a ban on oil imports, a move that marks the 243rd sanction the U.S. has placed on the nation since Feb. 22 according to Castellum.AI’s sanctions tracking database. Despite the sanctions and the Ukrainian defense holding the capital city, Russian President Vladimir Putin has shown no signs of slowing the advance, and as one senior U.S. defense official puts it, the nation may be planning to push forward with the siege on the capital.
“We still have every reason to assess that their effort is to encircle and force the surrender of Kyiv,” the official said in an interview with ABC.
While the U.S. knows of the potential move, no troops have been sent inside the Ukrainian border. This move has largely been avoided due to Ukraine’s non-NATO status, the potential loss of life and the fear of a nuclear war.
“We definitely should not send in troops,” senior Cole McDonald said. “There would be innocent lives lost on our side and Ukraine can hold its own. We trained to do what they’re doing now.”
Alongside the Russian sanctions, the U.S. has continued to help Ukraine in other ways, such as providing much-needed resources. However, some argue more needs to be done to combat the attack.
“I think we can give Ukraine more supplies,” junior Ben Tess said. “We could just be there as aids, or even get NATO involved in some form.”
Going forward, Tess fears the lack of action could lead to a Russian Advancement into other countries and even cause China to enter into their own war.
“I think Russia will just keep going as long as NATO doesn’t get involved,” Tess said. “I think China will follow suit unless harsher action is taken by the U.S. and NATO.”
Despite some fearing an advancement, others believe the U.S. should hold off as the invasion is prone to stay within Ukraine.
“I think the U.S. should play it safe, I feel like Russia is just going to stop,” McDonald said. “There is no reason for them to keep going. Their economy is dead, their dollar is meaningless to the rest of the world and they can not import or export anything.”