In a recent interview, U.S. President Joe Biden called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and other leaders of Eastern Europe to calm tensions. He also criticized Russia’s buildup of troops near Ukraine’s border and the rise of pro-Russian separatists. Those who oppose the Russian invasion, however, are not alone. Thousands of civilians are stepping up to fight back.
Historically, the Ukrainian army has not been able to effectively defend its nation from foreign incursions. Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, it had suffered from a degraded state. Soldiers didn’t get enough food, discipline had deteriorated, weapons systems went decades without maintenance, and very few had ever seen combat. Even the Russian invasion in 2014 involved volunteer militias and civilians, keeping the Ukrainian soldiers fed and fuelled. This month, some are fearful that the Russians will invade the country again.
Fortunately, Ukrainians are used to stepping up. In 2014, when Russian troops seized Crimea and the east of Ukraine, protesters formed a civilian security force against the state security apparatus and forced out the corrupt president Yanukovych. Hundreds of people died in the uprising. In 2014, a new Ukrainian president dissolved parliament and called for early elections. While his priority is ending the separatist conflict in the east, he has pledged to keep the military unified.
The Russian invasion of the Ukraine has triggered a new wave of violence. The government is attempting to stabilize the situation by cutting diplomatic ties with Russia. But Russia, in its response, is preparing to move forward with an invasion of the country. Until then, the Ukrainian people have been standing up for their country’s national interests, and have always been bravely fighting back. The Russians are trying to make their country a safe place for its citizens.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine has prompted protests in Kyiv. The city of 1.4 million is only 20 miles from Russia. During the Russian invasion, the Ukrainian people have risen and defended their cities and country. The U.S. government says it is doing its part to halt the invasion, but the Russians are still taking a long time to make progress. In spite of these challenges, the country has demonstrated its resilience and strength.
The latest crisis has pushed Ukrainian citizens to rise to the occasion. In 2014, they gathered in the underground metro station of Kyiv, and launched a civil resistance to the Russian invasion. The Ukrainian government responded by setting up a volunteer militia and keeping the Russian soldiers fed. The armed forces have repelled the Russians, but the Russian military is not stopping them. There are no plans for an armed attack on the territory, but they can certainly stop the invasion.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine has pushed many people to take action and reclaim their freedom. In the streets of Kyiv, some citizens fought back by using Molotov cocktails and throwing them at the Russian soldiers. While this may seem counter-intuitive, it does not seem like a surprising strategy. The goal is to deter the aggressor and avoid confrontation. If you’re a pro-Russian, you can join in the fight.
The Russians’ recent offensive has prompted a nationwide backlash against Russian forces. The Ukraine’s government has also said that it will not respond if it’s attacked. The Ukrainian people have a history of responding to crises. They are prepared to fight and demonstrate. They have a history of doing so. They have risen up to the challenge. And they’re not afraid to be brave. While these protests are very much a step towards independence, they’re not in any way an obstacle to peace.
Ukrainian citizens have often taken action to fight against Russian aggression. In 2014, people in Kiev, Kramatorsk, and other cities, rallied together to take control of the eastern part of the country. They seized the contested region and fought back against the Russian army. In the process, they also sparked a massive oil price spike and plunged Russia’s currency to its lowest levels against the euro and dollar.