When Russia placed 100,000 soldiers near the East Ukrainian border earlier this month, the conflict between the two nations appeared to have reached its boiling point. While Ukraine and Russia have been on negative terms ever since Ukraine declared independence in 1990, the prospect of war seems ever so closer, threatening to drag in NATO as well.
Although Ukraine is an independent country, the country has recently been divided over having closer relations with the EU or Russia. The predominantly Russian-speaking east population leans in favor of Russia, while the western population favors having closer ties with the EU. In 2014, pro-Russian president Viktor Yanukovych was replaced by Petro Poroshenko, a pro-EU politician. However, violent pro-Russia insurgent groups have continued to cause issues.
In 2014, things took a turn for the worse as Russia annexed Crimea and supported separatist forces. NATO condemned Russia, sending in military and humanitarian aid. Despite large criticism from the international community, Russia has continued to bring instability to Ukraine. Yet due to neither side able to gain an edge against the other, both sides have resorted to trench warfare.
But that stalemate might break at any moment. Just a few weeks ago, reports have been surfacing that Russia has been amassing soldiers at the Ukrainian border. More than 10 armored warships have been spotted in the Caspian Sea, and things are getting worse by the day. The US has been providing aid to Kyiv, so Russia has become increasingly aggressive, calling the US an adversary and strongly advised them to stay well away from Crimea.
Ultimately, the US has become increasingly alarmed by Russia’s focus on territorial expansion. The US needs to support its allies and send in military aid, and not abandon them in their time of need. The Russo-Ukrainian conflict needs to be resolved so that Ukraine can have a greater impact on the world.
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