Russia and Ukraine are in an active war that has been going on for years, but why? The truth is, the people of Ukraine are fighting against a force much larger than theirs in the hope of escaping the clutches of their past colonizers.

The rivalry between Russia and Ukraine has been going on for centuries, originally starting in 1783 when Russia took the Ukrainian territory of Crimea. From there, it was a constant back and forth of Russia taking territory and Ukraine getting it back until 1921 when the Soviet Union conquered all of Ukraine. In 1991, they gained independence and were finally free from Russia…for a little while.

That was until 2014, when Ukrainians faced a conflict that seemed like a direct attempt at repeating history. Russia annexed Crimea and supported separatists who wanted to reclaim Ukraine. In February of 2022, the war officially started when Putin ordered his troops to invade Ukraine. 

Since the war started, the country has been in chaos. Families are separated, Ukrainian civilians bombed, and beloved sons sent off to war. The Ukrainian people are struggling to find shelter and refuge in other countries.

My family in Ukraine is suffering right now. Some of my family escaped to Poland and other parts of Europe, but others are still there. My uncle, who was only in his forties, died fighting for his country.

Some people ask why Ukraine does not just give up their land to avoid war and the death that comes with it. To that, I ask what you would do if England decided that it wanted our land back. If they wanted us to follow their laws and give up many of our liberties that the American people fought and died for a long time ago, we would start a war with them to fight for our freedom. It is the same case with the horrific war in Ukraine. 

Mr. Yoder stated, “It would be unfair to tell the Ukrainian people to give up their land for the sake of peace.” 

The Ukrainian people won’t just give the land they have a rightful claim over back to their oppressors, and they shouldn’t have to. You can help the people of Ukraine by donating to dozens of charities that support Ukrainians. Organizations like Sunflowers for Peace and Come Back Alive are dedicated to providing support to Ukrainians in need and to Ukraine’s brave military forces. Donate today and help save millions of lives.

When asked if she thinks the war in Ukraine is fair, Sophomore Jordyn White said, “Absolutely not.”