In the early morning hours of February 24th, new information was announced that completely shook the entire world; Russia had begun a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. 

Since the conflict between these two feuding countries began in 2014, relationships between Russia and Ukraine have been very tense. When Russia captured and invaded the Crimean Peninsula on February 27th of that same year, the nation drove the possibility of negotiation off the charts.

Now, in 2022, Russia’s back at it again, and this time is refusing to hold back. While troops head straight for the capital city of Ukraine, Kyiv, Russia’s main goal appears to be gaining and maintaining complete control over the country. As the death toll already climbs, Ukraine’s fight for independence and Russia’s fight for control are nothing less than fierce.

Undoubtedly, many people are unsure of Russia’s intentions behind this invasion. Why did they choose to invade Ukraine so suddenly? A few theories exist. Namely, Putin has a desire for reconstructing the Soviet Union. While there’s no hard and physical evidence that this is his end goal, a lot of his recent actions prove that this might be his reason for such an instant invasion. For instance, recently-leaked evidence suggests that Moldova, another former USSR territory, might be Russia’s next target for invasion. In the worst case scenario, Ukraine falls, and Moldova is next in line. Only time can tell the full truth of this theory.

With all eyes on this conflict from around the globe, the final outcome will define the future of not only Eastern Europe, but of the world. For now, Ukraine stands its ground, backed by most of the world. If Ukraine emerges victorious, we can rewrite the course of history forever.