War returns to Europe as Russia invades Ukraine

On Thursday 24 February, Russian troops invaded Ukrainian territory by air, land and sea, beginning the largest military crisis in Europe since World War II.

Photo by Max Kukurudziak on Unsplash

On Thursday morning, Kyiv’s citizens woke to the sound of air-raid sirens. Moments later, missiles bombarded the surrounding areas of Ukraine’s capital. The explosions were also noticed in areas of Kharkiv, Odesa, Lutsk and other major cities.

Just before the Russian invasion, President Vladimir Putin addressed the nation on TV, declaring a “special military operation” in the eastern region of Ukraine. He legitimised the decision through the perceived threat of the expansion of NATO.

Putin said he aims to “demilitarise” and “denazify” Ukraine. What was supposed to be military intervention in the eastern region turned into a whole-country invasion, with explosions stretching from west to east. Russian troops were caught on CCTV camera passing the border with Ukraine from Crimea, which was annexed by Russia in 2014. Troops also entered Ukraine from the west, north-east and from the south.

During the night the first fighting in the city Sumy was recorded on video, verified by The New York Times. Since Friday Morning, Kyiv has become a centre of attacks, with missile strikes crashing into residential buildings. Russian tanks were noticed in the Oblon neighbourhood, located 10km from the city centre. The combat was reported 400 yards from Maidan square on Friday night.  Streets are deserted as shops, banks and other services have been closed, and people have hidden in underground stations.

“My extended family and friends are trying to find safe places, as their apartments in Chuguev, next to Kharkiv, got shot at by the Russian soldiers,” said Sofiya Rogers, Ukrainian Law and Politics student at UCL. Like many others, they were trying to leave the city and got stuck in heavy traffic. “They stood in the line for 5 hours to just travel 13km,” adds Sofiya. Ukrainians are taking trains or buses to flee the military actions, and thousands of people are crossing the borders with Poland or Moldova.

However, as Artur Podsokha, UPCH student at UCL, comments, Ukrainians want to fight to save their culture, land, and especially peace in Europe. The general mobilisation prohibits Ukrainian men aged 18 to 60 to leave the country. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy comments he is not fleeing the country despite being the main target of Russian troops that are fighting in Kyiv.

Ukrainian students are watching what is happening in their home country in distress. Some of their families are still there, whilst some are lucky enough to have their close ones in London. “Thankfully my mum is in London with me”, says Artur, but his father and the rest of the family remain in Ukraine. They feel anxious.

 “I feel that the world has left Ukraine alone”, comments Sofiya. The West, including the US, UK and European Union, introduced severe sanctions on Russia this Thursday. However, they are not sending troops, as it would turn into an international conflict. Joe Biden said: "Our forces are not and will not be engaged in the conflict."

People around the world are gathering to protest against Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. Protesters, including students, gathered on Thursday in front of Downing Street to call on the English government to impose stricter sanctions on Russia. They are trying to do anything they can to help.

“I think that we should put more awareness to the situation”, comments Artur. Ukrainian students urge the international community to spread the correct facts, in order to deter the escalation of misinformation surrounding the events. It is necessary to protect global peace and its future.

UCL Students’ Union has issued a statement, commenting on the shocking nature of this unprovoked attack. They state that their thoughts are with all the people whose lives are in danger. “To our Ukrainian students - we stand with you at this dangerous and uncertain time.” 

They are working with UCL to provide help to anyone who feels affected by the crisis. They also stand firmly against any abuse or harassment of Russian students, who are not responsible for the decisions of the Russian government. Support and Wellbeing advisors are here to offer help, and the Care First helpline is also available.

 For more information visit this website.