The origin of the Russian attack began with tensions surrounding the North Atlantic Treaty Organization created in 1949.
According to the Brown University Department of History, NATO includes the United States, Canada and 10 countries of Western Europe, all pledged to defend each other if one were attacked. The group formation was in response to concerns about the Soviet Union in the past.
In 2008, Ukraine considered possibly entering NATO, establishing tensions with Russia, who viewed it as an unacceptable national security threat. Antioch Community High School social studies teacher, Meghan McDonnell, believes the tensions had only increased in 2014.
“Russia previously invaded Ukraine back in 2014, when they succeeded and took over Crimea, which was part of Ukraine and located by the Black Sea,” McDonnell said. “Since then, the Donbas region of Ukraine has been the focus of Russia, as areas in this region consider themselves free of Ukraine and are supported by Russia.”
Until 2021, tensions had remained level.
According to Brown University, in November 2021, Russia began constructing its military forces along the borders of Ukraine. In February 2022, the U.S. government warned that a Russian invasion of Ukraine could happen within days.
This possibility became a reality last night. Putin insists it is merely an operation to maintain peace; senior Emily Boslet reckons he will uphold that claim.
“I think [Russia] will continue claiming [the invasion] is for peace and threatening retaliation against any Ukrainian allies who try to stop them,” Boslet said. “I feel like eventually, with the severe sanctions, Russia will learn they will lose too much economically.”
Ukraine has continued to urge the U.S. to impose economic sanctions before the invasion escalates.
Brown University concluded that Ukrainian President Zelinsky has repeatedly asked the U.S. and its European allies to not wait to act until Russia invades, imposing economic sanctions now instead of later. The economic sanctions would place restrictions on international trade and financial transactions.
As the day progresses, more breaking news has continued to roll in.
“Tune in to Biden’s speech at 12 p.m. this afternoon to see what the response is,” McDonnell said. “As well, look to see what other NATO nations and democratic countries are saying.”
Live updates will be given through different media sources as the future remains unknown.
