Map of Ukrainian advances in August 2024.
Russia and Ukraine have experienced geopolitical tensions for many years, and this was especially true in 2014. What began with Russia's invasion of Crimea and the subsequent seizure of territory in the Donbas region has transformed into a full-scale war. On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a comprehensive invasion of Ukraine, aiming to thwart Ukraine's aspirations to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). This military alliance, established to deter Soviet expansion, has been a focal point of the conflict.
The early stages of the invasion saw intense resistance from Ukrainian defenders, particularly around Kyiv. Ukrainian forces not only repelled initial attempts to capture the capital but also launched counterattacks that have shaped the ongoing conflict. Since February 2022, over 30,000 casualties have been reported, highlighting the severe human cost of the war.
Ukrainian children's hospital collapses after Russian bombing.
The war has also had an appalling impact on children. Since February 2022, 575 children have been killed. Nearly two-thirds of Ukraine's children have been displaced from their homes, with over 1.5 million children at risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The war has rendered 7,000 schools inaccessible, depriving children of their education. Additionally, many medical facilities, including children’s hospitals, have been targeted and bombed, exacerbating the already dire situation.
As of August 2024, the conflict shows no signs of ceasing. Russia has intensified its attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, targeting 15 regions with drones and missiles. This latest wave of aggression represents the most massive attack since February 2022, although Ukrainian forces have successfully intercepted a significant portion of the incoming missiles.
In response, Ukraine has developed a new long-range weapon called the Palianytsia, designed to strike deep into Russian territory. This development marks a significant shift in the conflict, potentially altering the dynamics of the war.
Several organizations are working tirelessly to provide support to those affected by the war. For example, United Help Ukraine delivers essential medical aid and supports a network of psychologists working in hospitals and clinics across Ukraine. They also provide food and clean water to those in need. Doctors Without Borders offers care for PTSD and psychotherapy, evacuates patients from frontline areas, and has established clinics for healthcare and emergency surgery.
Below are the links to donate to United Help Ukraine and Doctors Without Borders.
Works Cited
“About Us.” United Help Ukraine, https://unitedhelpukraine.org/about-us/. Accessed 27 August 2024.
Davis, Elliott. “EXPLAINER: Why Did Russia Invade Ukraine?” USNews.com, 23 February 2024, https://www.usnews.com/news/best-countries/articles/explainer-why-did-russia-invade-ukraine. Accessed 27 August 2024.
Ray, Michael. “Russia-Ukraine War - The Ukrainian counterattack.” Britannica, 18 February 2023, https://www.britannica.com/event/2022-Russian-invasion-of-Ukraine/The-Ukrainian-counterattack. Accessed 27 August 2024.
“Russian Federation's War Having 'Appalling Impact' on Ukraine's Children, Under-Secretary-General Tells Security Council | Meetings Coverage and Press Releases.” Meetings Coverage and Press Releases, 10 January 2024, https://press.un.org/en/2024/sc15559.doc.htm. Accessed 27 August 2024.
“Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 914.” Al Jazeera, 2024, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/8/27/russia-ukraine-war-list-of-key-events-day-914. Accessed 27 August 2024.
“Ukraine | Our Work & How to Help.” Doctors Without Borders, https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/what-we-do/where-we-work/ukraine. Accessed 27 August 2024.
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