By: Katarina Radulovic '24
On Thursday, February 24th, 2022, Russia launched a full-scale imperial invasion into their neighboring country, Ukraine. When the former Soviet Union dismantled in 1991, Ukraine became an independent nation. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin has taken on a very aggressive military campaign while attempting to annex Ukraine. Committing numerous war crimes, including the bombing of hospital maternity wards in Mariupol and schools (both of which violate the Geveva Convention), Putin has shown himself as a threat to democracy and the ethical basis of international law. Nonprofit group Physicians for Human Rights has condemned the bombing of Ukraine hospitals and children’s clinics (which have been verified by the World Health Organization) noting the standard role of “medical facilities as zones protected zones under international humanitarian law.” Within this regard, Vladimir Putin’s continual aggression towards defenseless civilians place his actions in the context of a war criminal bent on expansionism while the most vulnerable Ukrainians pay the ultimate price for his tyrannical conquest.
President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky has emerged onto the world stage as a hero for the ages. A former actor and comedian, Zelensky’s courage and honor in fighting against invading Russian forces have earned him the respect of much of the world. The New York Times has published video footage of President Zelensky imploring NATO (North American Treaty Organization) to assist with providing weapons to assist in the conflict. Though Ukraine has openly sought membership in both the European Union and NATO, the nation has not been given the opportunity to join these multinational organizations that would officially align them with allies in the West.
Amidst the conflict, millions of refugees have been rendered homeless and many more civilains are yet taking refuge in bomb shelters across Ukraine. At Chez Nous, Ms. Angioletti has led the Rosary Club to pray for the people of Ukraine as they fight for their independence and their lives. As well, a Bake Sale hosted on March 31 was aimed towards raising needed funds for Ukrainian refugees fleeing this
conflict, as Ms. Kane has led the Friends of Ukraine to work towards providing tangible relief to the numerous refugees from this conflict.
Moving forward, the potentially long struggle in the Ukraine is one that will inevitably redefine the relationship between Russia and nations of the West.
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Edited by Natalia Cseh '23, Adithi Vimalanthan '22, and Ms. Brilliant
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