2022 Recap: Ukraine War
By Evan Robinson
As the War in Ukraine enters its second year, it has become evident that this is not the war Vladimir Putin had expected. When Russia invaded Ukraine last February, many, including the foremost experts in world affairs, had expected it to be a quick, easy victory for Russia. However, the Ukrainian people have not given up. To this point, Ukrainian soldiers have out-moraled, and out-fought the Russians and the international community has successfully rallied around Ukraine, providing much-needed aid. Additionally, a coalition of international actors led by the United States has put some of the most stringent sanctions the world has ever seen on Russia, including removing them from the SWIFT banking system and banning Russian oil imports. Although there are many developments to see as positives, this war is far from over. The winter has come, meaning cold weather and brutal battlefield conditions are to be expected over the next few months. Historically the Russian and Ukrainian winter has been the downfall of some of the world’s greatest armies and can be the momentum shift one army needs to defeat the other. To ensure global support entering this difficult phase, Ukraine’s president Voldolym Zelensky made a surprise trip to Washington just before Christmas to secure more funding and arms for his nation. As we have written in this blog before, the US Republican Party has been hesitant to support Ukraine, and Zelensky’s speech before congress was intended to both gather support from those members and also express his gratitude for a country that has done so much for Ukraine in the last ten months. As we continue to see bloodshed and tragedy in Ukraine, we must provide the most support we can for Ukraine and its people. It is paramount that we all help Ukraine, whether it’s sending a monetary donation, volunteering your time with Ukrainian refugees, or assisting projects such as this one ensuring that the disinformation Russia has tried to spread is curtailed.
2022 was a challenging year for Ukraine. A nation on its way to becoming a stable democracy in Europe was suddenly forced to shift gears from nation-building to the defence of its sovereign territory. It was perceived to be unlikely that in 2022, a ground war in Europe would be the news-making headline where the unprovoked efforts of Russia drew comparisons to the Nazi invasion of Poland in 1939. This is precisely why this is such a monumental time. We face the global consequences of a ground war in Europe and the potential snowball effect a Russian victory may have on other international conflicts. For example, China has been building up and beginning military exercises on the beaches of Eastern China, which many interpret as preparation for a potential invasion of Taiwan. Although President Biden has been clear that a Chinese invasion of Taiwan would provoke an American response, a successful Russian effort in Ukraine may give China the leeway they need to carry out its activities. Thankfully, to counter such attempts, the NATO partnership is as united as ever. Not in the last twenty years has virtually every NATO ally been so vocal about their support for a single cause. This partnership is key to Ukrainian victory as it shows the world that Russia is mistaken and may warn other actors with similar intentions that the NATO alliance is alive and well.
Although it might appear rhetorical or symbolic, the outcry for support within NATO nations is key to helping Ukrainians feel supported during such a difficult time. Further, the acceptance of Ukrainian refugees from provinces such as Manitoba has allowed individuals who may have faced the most horrible of conditions in Ukraine a place of temporary refuge. The foundation of liberal democracy is to help those experiencing the worst conditions globally–––and in this circumstance, we are living up to our example.
As we reflect on the war over the past year, it is complicated to see any positives. Ukraine’s infrastructure is destroyed, thousands are dead, and many of its citizens have suffered through the most horrendous of conditions. But within this, there is hope. Millions worldwide are rallying around Ukraine, sending their money, support, and generosity. Although there may be a lot of evil in our world, there is also a lot of good. As 2022 concludes, and Ukraine is still fighting to protect their country––––ask yourself: What can I do to help the people of Ukraine? It does not have to be significant. It can be as simple as reaching out to a Ukrainian refugee at home. However, we must continue to show Russia that their unjust invasion is unifying rather than dividing the west. As 2023 begins and another year of brutal war continues, think about Ukraine this new year. Maybe your small contribution will make a big difference in the lives of Ukrainians to help defeat Russian tyranny.