BY EMILY MORENO
Across the Atlantic Ocean Ukraine is being invaded by their next door neighbors, Russia. The ‘special military operation’ has created waves as many countries have rallied together to support Ukraine and condemn Russian President Vladimir Putin’s actions. Now countries all around the world are uniting to financially attack Russia in hopes to economically put out the war.
“As Russian forces unleash their assault on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities, we are resolved to
continue imposing costs on Russia that will further isolate Russia from the international financial
system and our economies,” European Commission President Urusula von der Leyen said in her official statement. “Putin embarked on a path aiming to destroy Ukraine, but what he is also doing, in fact, is destroying the future of his own country.”
In November of 2021, Russia was preparing military forces around Ukraine. Their long history of tension includes events such as Ukraine’s independence in 1991 and their previous partnership with North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) boiled over and on February 24 Russia entered Ukraine.
“My opinion on russia’s [sic] decision to invade ukraine [sic] is that it’s absurd and Russia is trying to take what’s not theirs,” Part Russian freshman Alex Totarsky said. “It’s not fair.”
Despite Russian claims not to harm civilians and only target military bases, evidence has shown destruction and death in heavily populated areas, such as Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital. The total deaths and injuries are not yet known. Due to the nature of the situation, the status of conflict is continually being updated.
“War in general is just so awful and puts the lives of innocent ppl [sic] at risk for no reason,” senior and second generation Ukranian Sophia Uhlyar said. “The war between Ukraine and Russia, specifically, has resulted in too many casualties on both sides, as well as the destruction of a multitude of historical cities, military bases, residential buildings, and more in Ukraine.”
Cooper City is home to many residents with Ukrainian heritage and to the St. Nicholas Ukrainian Orthodox Church. In response to the war in Ukraine, Cooper City held a city commission meeting to take further action in helping the Ukranians in danger.
“The City of Cooper City unites in support with our Ukrainian brothers and sisters, and the freedom fighters on the front line, to condemn the Russian Federation’s attack on the sovereign state of Ukraine” Mayor Gred Ross wrote in the Certificate of Support presented to the St. Nicholas Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
Additionally during Founder’s day which is being held March 12, Cooper City will be taking donations at Brian Piccolo Park which will be transported to Ukraine for humanitarian relief. Cooper City’s website includes the list of donations and Ukrainian residents urge all those able to help to contribute.
The effects can be traced not only in our community but specially at our school, as CCHS staff and students with a Ukrainian heritage are facing the devastation happening in their country. They are choosing to encourage everyone to educate themselves and if possible to take action.
“Part of this war is also informational,” Ukrainian math and chorus teacher Anna Lotocky said. “So what we can do here is make sure you check on many sources when you hear things. If you think it seems legitimate, then share, say did you guys see this? Do you know what’s going on? This is what’s really going on.”
Sympathy has been shown not only for the Ukranians affected but also for the Russian citizens and soldiers. Recent footage such as the twitter post showing a young soldier being fed and cared for by Ukraians has highlighted the Russian people’s blinded reality.
“They don’t know the truth about what the world is like and so they don’t know so I don’t blame the Russian people,” Lotocky said. “It’s Putin and the guys under him and the rich people who have enabled him over these years.”
The devastation of the Ukrainian conflict is something that the whole world has felt. Countries have rallied together to condemn Russia’s government for the unnecessary death and destruction it has brought about. Many supporting the fight against Russia are looking towards the end of the tunnel and hoping to soon see peace in Ukraine.
“The people of Ukraine just want to live without fear for their safety and culture. Instead, they are facing daily missile attacks and many are evacuating their homes. This should not be happening,” Uhlyar said. “My heart goes out to anyone who has been affected by this terrible situation, or something similar, and I hope our voices can soon be enough to encourage action and secure a happy future for Ukraine. Слава Україні”
