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)

 

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.)