The peace in Europe has been shattered, as Russian forces begin their invasion of Ukraine. The reason why Ukraine is being invaded is still unknown. Thousands of Ukrainian citizens are fleeing the capital city, Kiev, and moving away from the invasion. Long columns of Russian tanks and military equipment have been seen pushing through the Ukrainian borders and continuing to push forward. 

In the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, Russian troops have seized control of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant and the abandoned city of Pripyat. Seizing control of the exclusion zone is critical for the invasion. When seized, the Russians will have a clear path towards Kiev and potentially successfully invading Ukraine. Tanks, troops, helicopters, and other military equipment have the potential of spreading radioactive dust, potentially creating another Chernobyl nuclear disaster event. If the Russians continue to push through the Exclusion Zone, the zone may have to be increased in order to contain radiation that has been carried by military equipment. 

As of now, 644 people have died, both civilian and military. However, NATO believes that casualties can rise up to the thousands, civilian and military.

Putin warned NATO and the World that any assistance for Ukraine could result in consequences unlike any other. Putin also reminds the world that they are nuclear powered and possess nuclear weapons.  The use of nuclear weapons is still incredibly low, but that can change in a second. 

As we’ve seen in other wars, the U.S will claim neutrality and will eventually be dragged into the war. Such as World War I and World War II. However, the probability of the U.S joining the war is low.

The U.S and other NATO nations are beginning to economically, militarily, and diplomatically assist Ukraine through the invasion, but the probability of another country joining the war is really high. The world has also enacted sanctions against Russia to economically cripple Russia. 

Putin’s reason for invasion is because he accused Ukraine of being a fascist government that has been threatening the safety of Russian civilians. However, the president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has denied these claims and said that this was an unprovoked war. NATO and the UN believe that Putin is trying to rebuild the Soviet Union (U.S.S.R). However this is just a theory.

Civilians are leaving Russia and the city of Kiev, however some civilians are staying behind to resist the Russian attack. It is possible that more civilians will stay behind in order to fight against the Russian threat, this can lead to more civilian casualties.

U.S President, Joe Biden will address the nation, stating that unity is the key to this conflict. He has also imposed more sanctions which heavily crippled the Russian Economy.

This conflict can lead to a war unlike any other, and has the potential to drag multiple nations into the war. Although nuclear weapons usage is unlikely, it is still possible for them to be used and cause mass death and destruction. If Russia successfully invaded Ukraine, nations such as Belarus, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia will be in danger of a Russian invasion, potentially starting World War III.