# data[].attributes.headline
Who, What, When, Where, How, & Why it is important

# data[].attributes.subject
Who, What, When, Where, How, & Why it is important

# data[].attributes.body
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine constitutes the biggest threat to peace and security in Europe since the end of the Cold War. The Russo-Ukrainian War has been ongoing between Russia and Ukraine since February 2014. The two countries border each other in Eastern Europe. On Feb. 24, 2022, Russia sent its army into Ukraine and began trying to take over the country by force. This invasion shocked many because it was the first major war in Europe in decades. But Russia and Ukraine have had a problematic relationship for centuries. To better understand why Russia invaded Ukraine, you would have to dig into 1,300 years of history. In the 1500s, descendants of the Kyivan Rus’ princes in Moscow formed an empire of their own, imperial Russia. In imperial Russia, some saw Ukrainians as brothers to the Russians because they shared a culture dating during medieval times which is long ago. Some Ukrainians said that while both groups practiced the same religion and shared some history, Ukrainian culture like; food, language, art, and music is different. It was shaped by other peoples and had a history different from Russia’s. A revolution in February 1917 forced Russia’s leader ( Czar Nicholas II)  from the throne and another revolution the same year created a new empire called the Soviet Union. Many Ukrainians didn’t want to join the new Soviet empire and tried to form their own country. But the Soviets defeated their movement and created the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic instead. In the beginning,  it allowed Ukrainians to keep their culture and run their local government but when the Soviets began to fear that Ukrainians wanted independence, they took their power away. In 1991, the Soviet Union collapsed. Ukraine and Russia became independent countries. In 2013, Ukraine’s president (Viktor Yanukovych) wanted Ukraine to be loyal to Russians. He made the decision not to sign a trade agreement to bring Ukraine closer to Europe. Ukrainians protested and kicked Yanukovych out of office, and to elect a government that favored Europe rather than Russia.

Russian President (Vladimir Putin) felt despite the protests most Ukrainians wanted ties with Russia. He was also extremely  worried that Ukraine would join a military alliance with the U.S. and Europe which would be a huge threat to Russia.  In 2014 Russia took over an area in southern Ukraine named Crimea. Over the last 8 years, it is estimated that 14,000 people have died, and 1 million people have fled to escape the fighting. In February 2022, Putin again claimed “ Ukrainians and Russians are one people''. He sees Ukrainians and Russians as brother nations but because Russia is older, Russia should therefore be in charge. Almost all Ukrainians disagree.  Volodymyr Zelenskyy has many times told Putin that Ukrainians want peace but that if they need to defend their country’s independence they absolutely will. Putin is still continuing to invade as he has stuck with his plan to take over the entire country. People in Russia had no say about whether to invade Ukraine as many are protesting against it. Many families have both Russian and Ukrainians ties and because of that a lot of people do not want to fight a war against each other. (https://theconversation.com/why-did-russia-invade-ukraine-178512)

# data[].attributes.headline
What role (if any) should the United States have in this conflict? Provide an overview of America’s role AND take a stance. What do you think America’s role should be in the conflict?Choose one of the recent ALERTS (current events) related to the conflict and summarize it. Intertwine this within your beliefs for America’s role in the conflict. 

# data[].attributes.subject
What role (if any) should the United States have in this conflict? Provide an overview of America’s role AND take a stance. What do you think America’s role should be in the conflict?Choose one of the recent ALERTS (current events) related to the conflict and summarize it. Intertwine this within your beliefs for America’s role in the conflict. 

# data[].attributes.body
The United States and Europe are on the side of Ukrainians. They believe Ukraine should be able to decide its own future. Although some Americans feel that we should not be involved in anything with regards to helping Ukraine fight against Russia the U.S. is known for our humanitarian assistance. The United States is in fact the only country that has the largest donor of humanitarian assistance to Ukraine. We have already provided almost  $653 million in humanitarian assistance to vulnerable communities since Russia first invaded Ukraine eight years ago, also adding to the $302 million this year. “That aid has included hundreds of armored vehicles, 142 155mm Howitzers and 880,000 rounds of ammunition for them, plus thousands of Javelin anti-tank and Stinger anti-aircraft weapons and 60 million rounds of bullets.”. We have not only provided aid but security. Since 2014, the United States has provided $24 billion in security assistance for training and equipment to help Ukraine preserve its territorial integrity, secure its borders, and improve interoperability with NATO. In total, the United States has committed more than $18.2 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since January 2021. The United States will continue to work with its Allies and partners to provide Ukraine with help. So far I think America is playing the best role possible in providing aid and not overstepping creating a war between Russia and The United States considering both of our countries' hold great nuclear power that could cause global destruction. On March 24 our president Joe Biden announced, “the United States is prepared to provide more than $1 billion in new funding toward humanitarian assistance for those affected by Russia’s war in Ukraine and its severe impacts around the world, including a rise in food insecurity.  The United States will welcome up to 100,000 Ukrainian citizens and others fleeing Russia’s aggression. To meet this commitment, the United States is considering the full range of legal pathways, including the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, humanitarian parole, and visas… On March 8, the United States banned the import of Russian energy products. This is another step to deprive President Putin of the economic resources he uses to continue his needless war of choice. The United States will continue to coordinate with major oil consumers and producers towards a collective investment to secure stability and global energy supplies, including for Ukraine. “ Because the U.S. is taking so much action into helping out Ukraine and even going to the extent of targeting powerful president Putin's economic resources, American citizens began to worry and controversy began for whether the U.S. should be involved. My Opinion regarding my beliefs and what America's role in the war I believe we should continue to support. If we have the aid, security, and money to offer why not do so? Also, Russia is already a powerful country standing itself so Ukraine deserves all the help they need. For the past year foundations have gone to Ukraine using hashtags such as #helpUkraine, #pray4ukarine, #helpukrainechildren and many others. (https://www.state.gov/united-with-ukraine/#:~:text=The%20United%20States%20is%20the,nearly%20%24302%20million%20this%20year.)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Providing Humanitarian Aid for Ukraine | Project HOPE

# data[].attributes.headline
Why should American citizens be aware of this conflict?What are your future predictions for the conflict? 

# data[].attributes.subject
Why should American citizens be aware of this conflict?What are your future predictions for the conflict? 

# data[].attributes.body
American Citizens should be worried about the Ukraine and Russia War because the Russian Federation and Ukraine are the most important producers of agricultural commodities in the world. Both countries are leading suppliers of agricultural products (foods, fibers, fuels, and raw materials) to global markets, where exportable supplies are often concentrated in a handful of countries.The Ukraine and Russia war is more than just those two countries fighting/at conflict, it’s also about global security and an attempt to "rewrite rules on which the world is based”. Americans will be affected as well. The global food supply will be disrupted, and expect to face pressure from our European allies to take in Ukrainian refugees,  inflation will be even higher, resulting in less buying power for every American family. This crisis is likely to fall hardest on those living on fixed incomes and lower-income Americans. (https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2022/2/wicker-putin-s-war-on-ukraine-will-affect-us-all#:~:text=The%20global%20food%20supply%20will,power%20for%20every%20American%20family.) I predict the war will sadly continue for another year assuming because no negotiations have been made and Russia or Ukraine will stop fighting as Ukraine wants their territory back. Food security will be at risk for the US and Ukriane. The cold winter will lead to a refugee crisis. Winter is an opportunity for Russia to gain power and Ukrainians will  fear Russia will target its energy grid, making their heating dilemma more acute. I do feel like with the U.S help and other allies Ukraine will win the war. If the war possibly goes over a year I do predict that our country (America) will no longer be able to provide anymore humanitarian aid or even security after so long.

# data[].attributes.headline
New York Cities protest to help Ukraine 

# data[].attributes.subject
New York Cities protest to help Ukraine 

# data[].attributes.headline
Map of Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022

# data[].attributes.subject
Map of Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022

# data[].attributes.headline
Retired general makes prediction about Putin's plan in Ukraine

# data[].attributes.subject
Retired general makes prediction about Putin's plan in Ukraine