Ukraine finds itself at a pivotal moment, grappling with the prolonged war against Russia, evolving diplomatic relationships, and the internal strain of sustaining its defense. As the conflict stretches into its third year, Ukrainian forces continue to defend key regions, despite mounting pressure from Russian offensives and concerns over dwindling resources. At the same time, Ukraine’s leadership faces an uphill battle in securing continued international support. The recent shift in U.S. policy, with President Trump expressing skepticism about further military aid, has forced Kyiv to intensify its outreach to European allies. The United Kingdom, France, and Germany have signaled their commitment to assisting Ukraine, but whether they can fully compensate for a potential reduction in U.S. support remains uncertain.
The Past:
Ukraine gained independence as a country on August 24, 1991, following its declaration of separation from the Soviet Union after its recent collapse. The war between Russia, led by Vladimir Putin, and Ukraine, led by Volodymyr Zelenskyy, began in February of 2014 with the covert invasion of the Ukrainian autonomous republic of Crimea by disguised Russian troops. The conflict ballooned in April of 2014 when Russian forces, alongside local proxy forces, seized territory in Ukraine’s Donbas region. Over the next several years, more than 14,000 soldiers and civilians would be killed because of fighting in eastern Ukraine. Beginning in 2021, there was a large military buildup of Russian troops near Ukraine’s northern and eastern borders, including those within the neighboring country of Belarus. On February 24, 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Following Vladimir Putin’s declaration of war on Ukraine, numerous United Nations member countries-imposed sanctions against Russia, and sent humanitarian and military aid to Ukraine. As the fighting continues, Russian forces made substantive gains, obtaining control of numerous locations surrounding the Russia-Ukraine border. Shocked by Putin’s aggressive invasion of a completely sovereign nation, the International Criminal Court opened an investigation into war crimes and issued several arrest warrants for President Putin and various other important Russian officials. Eventually, Ukrainian troops began to fight back, launching counterattacks and regaining historically important places such as the capital city of Kyiv. The recapturing of Kyiv marked a turning point in the Russo-Ukrainian war, motivating many Ukrainian forces to accelerate efforts to fight back against Russian occupation. After he was more informed of the history behind this conflict, Hingham High School Junior Tommy Simpson was surprised, exclaiming, “I didn’t even know the war could be traced back that far, I thought it started in 2020!”
The Present:
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump met in the White House on Friday, February 28th to discuss the future regarding the United States and Ukrainian relations. The meeting between Zelenskyy and Trump began with the US Vice-President JD Vance addressing a question regarding President Trump’s relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, suggesting that engaging in diplomacy was the path to peace and prosperity. President Zelenskyy responded by highlighting numerous historical questions that Ukraine has had with Russia, referencing the ongoing conflict since 2014 alongside previous ceasefire violations by Russia. The discussion escalated as Vice President Vance accused President Zelenskyy of being disrespectful and ungrateful of US support. Vance also accused Zelenskyy of discourteously litigating issues in front of the American media. Vance suggested that, if Zelenskyy had been more respectful and courteous, he would have had an easier time improving relations with Russia and the United States. The tyrannical president Trump interjected, accusing President Zelenskyy of “gambling with World War Three” and being disrespectful to the United States. The meeting further deteriorated as President Trump issued an ultimatum, stating “make a deal or we’re out,.” Amidst the escalating tensions, President Trump abruptly ended the meeting, demanding that President Zelenskyy depart the White House after an unproductive meeting. When asked his opinion on the meeting, Hingham High School Junior Colman Donohue said, “I didn’t watch the meeting, but I saw clips of it on social media, and, from what I saw, it just seemed like a big argument.”
The Future:
The future of Ukraine now hinges on Ukraine’s ability to persuade other powerful nations to aid them in their pressing conquest against Russian invasion. Ukraine’s future also relies on shifting global dynamics, forcing them to adapt as the rest of the world changes their ideas and opinions. Now that Ukraine’s attempt to deepen relations with the United States has failed, it is likely that they will pursue European powers, seeking military and humanitarian aid in support of their quest for self-preservation against an oppressive, overarching Russian force. The push for diplomatic negotiations may also grow stronger, with many Ukrainian citizens seeking an end to this long-lasting and costly conflict. However, any type of solution that results in ceded territory to Russia will be quickly rejected by Ukrainian officials, making it tougher to find a resolution that supports the majority of the country’s ideals. In the end, Ukraine’s ability to endure will depend on its resilience, the commitment of its allies, and the broader international response to Russian aggression.
