by Zohra Rangwala
The Russo-Ukrainian war has flared up as Russian President Vladmimr Putin ordered a full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24th.
Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, has called for discussions with Vladimir Putin to talk about demilitarization. As of today, Russia has agreed to talks with Ukraine and said that they were willing to send a delegation to Belarus to talk with Ukrainian officials. However, the situation still remains uncertain since overnight, Kyiv, the capital, was attacked with gunfire and explosions, resulting in damaged buildings and many injured civilians.
Although Russia denies carrying out strikes, and proceeds to state that a plane shot down over Kyiv was in fact, Ukrainian, Ukraine continues to deny this by stating that it was Russian.
Russia’s Defense Ministry announced it has captured Antonov International Airport in Ukraine using 200 helicopters and has begun building an ‘overwhelming force’ to take control of the city, leading to active military operations. According to the Ministry, Ukrainian troops suffered 200 casualties from the attack, while there were no Russian casualties. Meanwhile, Kyiv Airport has been recaptured by Ukrainian troops after losing it to the Russians just hours before.
Russian military forces have also seized control of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, the site of the worst nuclear disaster in human history where a nuclear reactor exploded in 1986. President Zelensky hinted at the possibility of this occurring again if Russians continue to invade.
As of now, attacks are entering Ukraine from the North, East, and South. President Zelensky has enacted martial law across the country, said that Ukraine is “left alone to fight Russia,” and urges Ukrainians to stay and defend the country.
Unfortunately, comparing the size and ability of militaries in both countries, Ukraine is at an astounding disadvantage with a small and weak military and receiving only funding operations from its Western Allies.
As Russia makes further advancement into Ukraine and the West funds millions of dollars into Ukraine’s military, the citizens of Ukraine are forced to endure a rapid escalation of war.
edited by William Cao and Vishal Krishnaiah
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