February 24, 2022 marked the day Russia started a war with Ukraine. It was a startling and significant act in Putin's long-running effort to restore the Russian state to its former Soviet glory. The Russia-Ukraine conflict is currently the largest armed conflict in Europe since World War II, and world politics have changed drastically because of it.
Little did the world know that this war would result in hundreds of thousands of deaths. Families have been torn apart and millions of people have been forced to flee their communities. Homes, schools, hospitals, and other civilian infrastructure have been destroyed. Furthermore, the global food crisis has considerably worsened because of the war, given Ukraine’s status as a leader in agriculture, particularly wheat. The world’s energy market has also suffered because Russia has substantially restricted the supply of oil to powers it considers hostile to the war effort.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy invited President Biden to visit Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, months ago, as he believed it was essential for the American president to see the terrible situation for himself and demonstrate a continued alliance. Biden subsequently agreed, visiting Kyiv on February 20, 2023. While in the Ukrainian capital for more than five hours, Biden met with Zelenskyy to discuss future actions and pay tribute to the nation's deceased troops.
In Biden’s latest $500 million aid proposal, he promised more military equipment, such as howitzers, javelins, and artillery fuel. He also said that Moscow would be subject to more sanctions in the near future. The US has made commitments totaling more than $70 billion in financial, humanitarian, and military aid, surpassing the combined commitments of the EU member states and institutions, which add up to approximately $55 billion. Countries surrounding Ukraine such as Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland are also helping Ukraine by providing money, goods, and services.
On the one-year anniversary of the start of the war, well-known officials and prominent individuals shared their thoughts on the ongoing conflict. Such figures include Jill Biden, King Charles III, and Kamala Harris. Jill Biden stated, “I just wanted to say on the one-year anniversary of Ukraine that not a day goes by that I don’t think of President Zelensky, Olena, their family, and all the people in Ukraine and what they’re going through and how hard they're fighting to keep their freedom.”
“I can only hope the outpouring of solidarity from across the globe may bring not only practical aid but also strength from the knowledge that, together, we stand united.”
King Charles III said, “I can only hope the outpouring of solidarity from across the globe may bring not only practical aid but also strength from the knowledge that, together, we stand united.” Kamala Harris explained how “one year after Russia's invasion, the United States continues to stand proudly with Ukraine.”
More than 9 million refugees — mostly women and children — have crossed over to Poland to escape the awful conditions in Ukraine. Poland has instituted a program that gives Ukrainian refugees access to free education and legal employment. People with disabilities would also be able to receive daily payments.
President Zelenskyy declared 2023 to be the year when his nation achieved victory over Russia. He also expressed confidence in his nation's ability to survive Russia's brutal attacks. The United States continues to firmly support Ukraine as it defends itself, and President Biden has promised to continued to do so “as long as it takes.” However, even with backing from the United States, victory for Ukraine is most definitely not assured and only time will tell the ultimate outcome of the conflict.