Ukrainian citizens try to duck down and seek safety from the violence and danger of war.
Photo By: Whitten Bumbalough, Photo Manager

By: Katherine Lachcik, Reporter

The ongoing crisis in Ukraine is escalating in aggression and divisive conflicts among the people of the eastern European country. Protests began in late 2013 between Russian separatists and government forces, after the former President of Ukraine, Viktor Yanukovych, rebuffed closer relations with the European Union.

Since this decision, protests have increased in magnitude and violence, and other European and Western countries have intervened. Ceasefires between the Ukrainian military forces and pro-Russian rebels (civilians who seek closer relations with Russia and want to incorporate eastern Ukraine into Russia) have been violated, and tensions have increased among all of those involved. Russian annexation of the region of Crimea has also worsened fighting and international fear.

Sophomore Olivia Ellis says, “The problems in Ukraine are really complex and have already resulted in a lot of violence. I think a lot of people don’t realize how important the issues really are.”

Ukraine’s unrest has derived in part due to its ethnic divide and disagreements among its people. In the east, Ukrainians are more Russian-oriented, while the citizens of the western half of Ukraine define themselves to be more European-oriented. This ethnic barrier has caused the eastern half to want closer relations with Russia, while the west vies for closer ties with the rest of Europe. Coming into 2015, polls show that Ukrainian locals prefer closer relations with Russia and support the annexation of Crimea.

This chaotic, turbulent atmosphere has created global awareness and apprehension in Germany, Britain, and other European countries, as well as the U.S. On February 18, 2015, one of several ceasefires between Ukrainian military, pro-Russian separatists and Russian forces were violated. This action exacerbated the startling amount of fighting and carnage already taking place in Ukraine.

Junior Maya Santiago says, “I think it’s really sad that there is so much hardship for the people of Ukraine. I hope that the problems are resolved soon.”

Other components adding to the conflict in Ukraine are various economic and political implications. Ukraine’s economy is currently struggling, and if Russia’s economy were to decline, it could possibly affect countries around the globe. In addition, Ukraine’s current struggle is the worst Europe has endured since the brutal wars of Yugoslavia in terms of violence.

Sophomore William Dube says, “The issues over in Ukraine are really serious, so there will probably be a lot more violence. But I also think that it’ll be resolved in time even if it might take a while.”

The conflict in Ukraine has global dimensions and has reached alarming levels of debate, disagreements, and bloodshed. Nearly 4,000 have died, and another 375,000 civilians have been displaced because of the incessant fighting between pro-Russian rebels and Ukrainian military forces. In light of recent circumstances, countries of the European Union, the U.S., and others view the crisis in Ukraine as a matter of urgency and great significance that cannot be ignored.