“I don’t need a ride. I need more ammunition.” - Volodymyr Zelensky

Vladimir Putin sent 100,000 Russian troops to Ukraine’s border after applying to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

Established in 1949, the military alliance has 30 members, including the United States.  

On February 24, 2022, Putin invaded, claiming the purpose was the de-Nazification of Ukraine.

The only caveat with the Russian state TV talking point is Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky, is Jewish, and his Jewish grandfather fought Hitler’s army. 

The world watched in horror as tanks rolled through neighborhoods. Apartment buildings were bombed, killing hundreds of Ukrainians, and forcing millions to flee.

Average citizens drew up arms to battle the occupants. Any weapon they could get their hands on, including AK-47s, rifles, Molotov cocktails, and sunflower seeds.

Like the Sunflower Seed Woman, Ukrainians are showing courage under fire.

They stood up to a Russian warship. They moved a landmine off the street. One man attempted to stop a tank himself.

The Ukrainian people are the definition of grit.

The neighboring country, Belarus, allowed Russia to utilize its territory and join forces with the adversary in the invasion. 

Several neighboring countries belong to NATO, including Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Poland, and Slovakia.

Each is fully aware that democracy is not something to take for granted. The military organization is obligated to respond should a NATO country be attacked.

That is an action that could spark WWIII.

Five days later, countries all over the world issued responses. The United States sent aid, posed sanctions, and cut off airspace to Russian planes.

The EU and England have also closed their airspace to Russia. Switzerland—the country known for remaining neutral—froze Russian assets. And the Taliban came out against the conflict. 

Georgia recently applied for membership into the EU. A strong message considering they were once part of the Soviet republic. Moldova also submitted an EU application. Another neighboring country, standing in unison with the rest of the world.

As the world continues to cancel Russia, China developed a case of buyer’s remorse. Regardless of how China feels about the rest of us, they have no interest in paying for Russia’s war.  

In addition to China, other Russian allies are not exactly cheering for the conflict. 

Israel is on a high wire striving to balance Putin and western allies.

India is trying to remain above the fray. Only time will tell if they side with their “best good friend” Putin or their treasuries. 

In addition, Russian citizens are livid at being unfairly targeted. Between air travel, a crippled economy, and the ruble quickly losing value, the effects of the sanctions are suffocating.

Russian citizens lined up at ATMs to collect as much cash as possible. The Moscow Stock Exchange was closed on March 1, 2022, but that did not stop stocks from crashing.

Not to mention the Russian oligarchs whose toys are getting seized, including but not limited to cash, yachts, jets, and luxury apartments.

Remember the kid who followed Elon Musk’s jet? He’s stalking the Russian oligarchs now!

Companies from all over the world are halting business in Russia. Artists and musicians are also suspending commerce.

Not to mention, North American companies boycotting Russian vodka.

As Russian and Ukrainian officials met for ceasefire discussions, news broke that Russia deployed 400 mercenaries to assassinate Zelensky.

A man who continues to demonstrate leadership more so than any other statesman in recent history. 

Despite the Russian military carrying out orders, there are reports of soldiers surrendering. The lack of food, supplies, and morale has caused them to abandon their posts.

They initially believed in their government propaganda. But after seeing the Ukrainian people, the fight lost its purpose.

After multiple attacks, the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant is on fire. According to the Ukrainian foreign minister’s tweet, it will be far worse than Chernobyl. 

A lot can happen in 7 days. 

In addition to senseless bloodshed, the prospect of WWIII continues to threaten the global supply chain. From shortages to price spikes. Just when the pandemic restrictions began to ease.

Freedom of speech certainly is not free. I’m devasted for Ukraine and concerned for anti-war Russian citizens. This war is far from over, but I remain hopeful.  

The silver lining to this conflict is the unity it inspired. Cities all over the world held vigils and protests against the war.

American politicians on both sides of the aisle came together in Ukrainian blue and yellow at the State of the Union address. 

The US division has gone on for too long. We were fortunate to take a pause and witness the horrifying war crimes from afar. An incredible reminder of how bad life can become in the face of conflict. 

Russia tried to sow division in the 2016 and 2020 US elections, pitting Americans against each other. The irony is that Russia inadvertently united the American red and blue.

This war is about autocracy vs. democracy. Considering how the world has responded, including Russian citizens, allies, and frenemies, democracy will prevail.

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