Understanding the Russia-Ukraine Invasion

 

    On February 22, 2022, President Biden announced that it is "the beginning of a Russian invasion of Ukraine." As the world watches, Russia has begun to enter into Ukraine, causing havoc among an innocent, independent country and its people. This is an ongoing and difficult topic, and situations are developing every day. In order to have a better understanding of this situation, it's important to know the past of these two nations and how and why the invasion has taken place. As this crisis develops, misinformation has spread online, but thanks to government resources and documents, reliable primary source information can be found.

History of Russia & Ukraine

    In the 1900s, Russia and Ukraine were both a part of the Soviet Union, one of the largest communist countries to exist. In 1991, both countries became independent nations, but Russia kept the capital of Moscow. Years later, pro-Russian candidate Viktor Yanukovych was declared President in 2004, but the election was nullified because it wasn't seen as a fair election. Flash forward 10 years, Yanukovych is fairly election for president of Ukraine. Yanukovych promised to lead Ukraine towards NATO and the European Union, but the reality was different. Beginning with suspending talks to the EU, Yanukovych began reviving ties with Russia. Citizens of Ukraine peacefully demonstrated against his decision, but they faced beatings and violent dispersion (Human Rights Watch, U.S. Department of Justice). After rejecting the Ukrainian-European Association Agreement, he was removed from office during the Revolution of Dignity and fled to Russia.

Right after the Revolution of Dignity, "Moscow began military operations against Ukraine." From the U.S. Department of State, this first invasion led to Crimea in the Ukraine being annexed by Russia and armed forces placed in Donbas. A large component of this annexation was Russia's propaganda, which has been described as something that doesn't "only kill reason and common sense, [but] it literally kills." While Crimea was annexed by Russia, according to the United Nations, it still remains a part of Ukraine. 

2022 Invasion

    In a 2020 hearing in the U.S. House of Representatives, Congress discussed the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. According to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, the conflict has arisen because of Russia's "intervention in both countries out of fear that freedom and democracy were approaching." Ukraine is a nation that has "expressed interest in increasing their cooperation with the West, especially with NATO." This information all points towards a never-ending conflict between the both countries, and this year, that conflict has escalated. 

    On February 21, 2022, a Senior Administration Official in the Biden cabinet spoke on the Russia and Ukraine conflict. They point out Russia's "recognition of the DNR and LNR region of Ukraine" and have deployed troops to these areas. The next day, President Biden held a press conference on the situation. Early into the speech, President Biden made it clear that it was "the beginning of a Russian invasion of Ukraine." By recognizing the two regions as independent, Putin has released troops in the area as a start. President Biden mentioned the importance of NATO allies in this situation, and that there is "no intention of fighting Russia."

On February 24, 2022, President Biden addressed Russia's unjustified attack on Ukraine. Russia had begun a "full-scale air, land, and sea attack" on Ukraine. President Biden called Putin's actions a "premeditated attack" because of the 175,000 troops, blood supplies, and field hospital along the Ukrainian border. Russia has also began committing cyberattacks against Ukraine, causing widespread disinformation. The President pinpoints Putin, calling him an "aggressor" and it's time they "bear the consequences." Along with NATO and G7 allies, the United States plans to continue taking steps to stop Russia. 

NATO's Role

    In a way, NATO has an important role within this conflict. Ukraine's current President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, had expressed interest in joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. NATO has condemned Russia's attack, and states that it would not deploy forces to defend Ukraine. Yet, although Ukraine is not a NATO country, they are still receiving assistance. NATO and Russia have had a worsening relationship since the 2014 invasion of Ukraine by Russia. With this new invasion, there isn't a chance of increasing relationships with Russia. NATO officials even stated that "Russia has shut the door on a political solution."

Sanctions, Gas Prices, & Protests

    The largest actions countries have taken in response to Russia's invasion are sanctions. On February 22nd, the United States imposed the first round of sanctions against Russia, along with other allies. This first round blocked Russia's V.E.B. and their military bank, and they cut off Russia from Western financing. These recent sanctions are more impactful than any other sanctions that have been imposed on Russia before. 

The biggest effect the United States is facing as this invasion continues is a rise in gas prices. The sanctions placed on Russia hurts it's ability to sell crude oil. With Russia being one of the biggest suppliers, prices are rising. In order to stabilize global energy markets, the International Energy Agency met to release "60 initial million barrels of oil from strategic petroleum reserves." 

    

    Across the world, citizens have expressed their concern for the civilians in Ukraine and have taken to the streets to show it. From Ukranian Americans to Russian citizens going against their leader, protests have sparked and don't seem to be going away anytime soon. 

Government Resources

The following information resources include primary source information about the conflict:

United with Ukraine

The U.S. State Department has a page all about the situation in Ukraine with information regarding cyber security, humanitarian assistance, and sanctions. 

FACT SHEET: The U.S. Costs on Russia and Belarus for Putin's War of Choice

Read more about the economic costs put on Russia.

Federal Documents on the Russo-Ukrainian Conflict

See a list of resources that provide more information on the background of Russia and Ukraine.

World Factbook

The CIA has put the World Factbook online with information about many different countries.  You can also find older versions at the Edmon Low Library.

Country Studies
These are the online versions of volumes previously published in hard copy by the Library of Congress as part of the Country Studies/Area Handbook Series sponsored by the U.S. Department of the Army between 1986 and 1998. Each study offers a comprehensive description and analysis of the country or region's historical setting, geography, society, economy, political system, and foreign policy.

Department of Defense
The News and Spotlights sections included detailed, current information about the conflict.

The White House Briefing Room
Track Speeches and Remarks and Statements and Releases from the White House about situations around the world.

U.S. Embassy in Ukraine
Includes Security Alerts, Travel Advisories, and News and Events.

USAID
USAID leads international development and humanitarian efforts to save lives, reduce poverty, strengthen democratic governance and help people progress beyond assistance. See the USAID Response in Ukraine.

Catholic Relief Services

International Rescue Committee

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