Russo-Ukrainian War

in 2014,” Dr. Wilson said. “We need to remember that history.”

Dr. Wilson said Ukrainians cared very deeply about their democracy and culture, and Russian intelligence knew the people of Ukraine would resist the coming invasion in 2022.

“That is why they came in by bombing on the first days with terror and gun use against civilians,” Dr. Wilson said.

Dr. Wilson said the war has been constantly changing, but Ukraine has had some overall success against Russia. Ukraine has regained their Northern territory along with several cities under siege by the Russian military.

And despite the continued bombings, Dr. Wilson said the country is returning somewhat to a state of normalcy, with people heading back to work and children back to in-person school in the capital of Kiev.

With the help of young Ukrainians and motivated college students, Dr. Wilson said many bombed-out buildings have been rebuilt.

Solomakhina said her family has sent money to their relatives in Ukraine and checked in on them through Skype video calls. Currently, they are holding up despite many fears and difficulties.

“They’ve heard the bombings from a distance,” Solomakhina said. “For now, I think they’re in a safe place.”

Dr. Wilson said the conflict, though terribly harmful to so many, is an important moment for Ukraine.

“The scale of the tragedy will be sensed for generations,” Dr. Wilson said. “Ukraine is not just some distant country in Eastern Europe. It’s where global history is changing right now. A hundred years from now, when they are looking at 2023, this is one of the major events that they’ll be studying, because this is definitely a point of no return.”

Dr. Wilson said the idea that the war results from harmful Russian imperial ambitions in their former territories. This creates a Russo-centric attitude regarding the conflict. Dr. Wilson said this conflict is bringing more focus on Ukraine as a nation of significance.

Student Perspective

Isabella Tyulyayev, sophomore, said her mother is from Ukraine and her father is from Russia. Tyulyayev’s mother still has many family friends in Ukraine.

Tyulyayev said the conflict will get worse before it improves.

“I don’t think people are actually thinking about those who are being affected by the conflict and are needing help,” Tyulyayev said. “They’re just thinking about the politics behind it.”

Roman Kidin, sophomore, said his father came to the U.S. from Russia more than 20 years ago at age 17. Most of his family still lives in Russia, and two of his uncles have been forced to fight in the Russian military against Ukraine.

Kidin said his relatives in Russia are acting as if they are completely fine, but his dad knows they are not.

“They’re really struggling on money and basic necessities right now since the economy’s very low due to U.S. embargoes,” Kidin said. “My dad has to send a lot of money to support them.”

Kidin said he doesn’t support Russia’s invasion, but he doesn’t completely support Ukraine either.

Oksana Tyulyaev, MHS Parent, poses with flowers at a wedding in Ukraine. Tyulyaev lived in Eastern Ukraine for 19 years, and moved to the U.S. because of the economic situation in Ukraine and because she had relatives here. "My parents thought it would never end in Ukraine," Tyulyaev said. Photograph used with permission by Oksana

Oksana Tyulyaev, MHS Parent, plays horse on a tree with her sister. Tyulyaev lived in Ukraine until she was 19 and said she really liked the community there. "I miss that a lot, when we moved to the U.S. we didn't have the opportunity to socialize with people like that," Tyulyaev said. Photograph used with permission by Oksana

Karina Solomakhina, senior, and her family members attend a kids camp in Ukraine. Karina has had family move from Ukraine to Canada due to the Russo-Ukrainian War and has some family still living in Ukraine. "It's really scary. We want to help our family in Ukraine as much as possible," Solomakhina said. Photograph by Karina Solomakhina

“A lot of people think Russians are the sole problem,” Kidin said. “I think they don’t see the other side and the whole story. Russia wants to liberate Russians living in Ukraine that are being persecuted.”

Teacher Perspective

Katie Bauman, AP European History teacher, said the war is taking longer than Russia likely anticipated.

Ukrainian nationalism and pride in their country has played a significant role in their ability to repel Russian forces, something Russia may have underestimated, Bauman said.

“Russian people themselves aren’t necessarily getting the full story of why they’re invading Ukraine nor the atrocities that are being committed,” Bauman said.

Because of the atrocities —attacks and rapes of Ukrainian people in occupied cities by the Russian military—Bauman said she wishes the U.S. could do more to step in and prevent further conflict.

The U.S. has so far sent $30 billion worth of military equipment to Ukraine, according to the Department of Defense; however, Ukraine has asked for additional support.

“I do not think Russian aggression is done,” Bauman said. “If they are successful in Ukraine, I think that that’s certainly a jumping off point for them to continue their expansion further into Eastern Europe.”