As of Thursday, February 24, 2022, after years of build-up, Russian forces have pushed into Ukraine officially launching their attack on the country leaving Ukraine under martial law, and leaders of the country are vowing to hold Russia accountable. 

“It’s an issue that’s been steeped in over 35 years of geopolitical history, since 2008, which is when Vladimir Putin was put into office. Russia has considered Ukraine a part of themselves even though they are an independent country,” Jordan Green, Social Studies teacher, said.

If Ukraine becomes a part of NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, an essential trading route for Russia will be blocked, so to avoid this Russia is attempting to exert Russian influence over the entirety of Ukraine while advising NATO countries not to become involved or provide assistance to Ukraine.

“A couple of words for those who would be tempted to intervene, Russia will respond immediately and you will have consequences that you never have had before in your history,” Vladimir Putin, President of Russia, said, according to Fox News. 

Within minutes of Putin finishing his speech, essentially declaring war on Ukraine, sounds of explosions could be heard throughout Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine. Although a target has not been confirmed as of now, unconfirmed sources have said the target is believed to be an airport located near the capital. 

“Considering that we want to be allies with Ukraine, I think we’re doing the right thing by trying to help but also being careful,” Sydney Archer, 11, said. 

The Biden administration is considering moving additional United States forces already residing in Europe further east as a result of the Russian firepower so close to allies. 

“Ukraine is standing at about nine-hundred thousand to a million male soldiers between the ages of twenty one to sixty and the Prime minister is offering weapons to any citizen who wants to get off their couch and fight the Russians,” Green said. “It is a fight for independence, it’s a fight for their families, their properties. I think they’re doing everything they can.”

Head of State in Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, released a statement in an attempt to reassure the Ukrainian people while under attack saying his country was ready and prepared for this.

“Peaceful Ukrainian cities are under strike, this is a war of aggression. Ukraine will defend itself and will win, the world can and must stop Putin,” Volodymyr Zelensky, Head of State of Ukraine, said, according to CNN.

News outlets are working around the clock with constant reports and new updates, almost hourly, as everything unfolds between the countries; however, many are lacking first-hand accounts and opinions from the Ukrainian citizens due to the dangers of being in the country.

“Social media has been a really good tool throughout this for us. There are leaked videos on TikTok posted by people in Ukraine showing what’s going on before the news outlets release it. There’s been videos showing bombs dropping and people screaming,” Conor Hutchinson, 12, said. “I don’t think I have any words in my vocabulary to describe how they must feel.”