What’s going on between Russia and Ukraine?

GEAR CHECK: Our readers don't just follow the news - they stay ready. Featured gear from this story is below.

Daniel Sharp

Russia and Ukraine have some serious drama going on. Here are a few quick facts to get you up to speed. In the last month, over 100,000 Russian soldiers amassed near the border with Ukraine. Ukraine raised concern, pointing to the 2014 events in the Crimea peninsula. Russia claims they are only responding to NATO exercises in the region. Western leaders accuse Russian, and Belarus, of manufacturing border crisis with Poland. Putin denies transporting migrants to Poland-Belarus border. Poland has since sent 15,000 soldiers to secure the border. The US sent 80 tons of ammunition to Ukraine’s military. Bulgarian president called on the EU to remove sanctions placed on Russia. Polling has claimed many Crimea residents support rejoining Russia. Many G7, EU, and NATO leaders still call for return of Crimea to Ukraine.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/StateDeptSpox?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@StateDeptSpox</a> on Crimea: “We welcome President Radev’s statement today in which he reiterated Bulgaria’s support for Ukraine. The U.S., G7, European Union, and NATO have all been clear and united in our position that despite Russia’s attempted annexation–Crimea is Ukraine.” <a href="https://t.co/q9oUj1wFrA">pic.twitter.com/q9oUj1wFrA</a></p>&mdash; Department of State (@StateDept) <a href="https://twitter.com/StateDept/status/1462888619031552020?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Those are a few of the wave tops. However, it is nearly impossible to know what it all actually means for the region. Some fear this may possibly lead to another large scale European conflict. Others are predicting a “Cold War-esque” tension for the foreseeable future.

What we do know is that the fate of tens of millions of people in the region depend on a handful of leaders being able to work out their differences like adults. Joy.

You may also like

Blog

President Donald Trump reportedly confronted Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during a closed-door meeting at Camp David after learning the Pentagon's stockpile of precision-guided munitions had fallen to critical levels. The White House has denied the report, but the episode has intensified scrutiny over whether America's military can sustain a prolonged conflict with Iran while maintaining global readiness.
Taiwan has begun its largest and most realistic Han Kuang military exercise to date, mobilizing thousands of troops, reservists and civilians as Beijing continues to increase military pressure around the island. The 10-day drills are designed to prepare for a potential Chinese invasion and test whether Taiwan can keep fighting even after its command centers, communications and infrastructure come under attack.
A fast-moving wildfire tore through Spokane County, Washington, over the weekend, forcing tens of thousands of residents to evacuate and destroying hundreds of homes and businesses. Authorities are now investigating the cause as firefighters race to contain one of the state's most destructive blazes of the year.
More than 30 municipal water systems in Minnesota were targeted in a coordinated cyberattack this week, and U.S. intelligence agencies believe Iran was likely behind it. While investigators have not reached a final conclusion, officials say the incident fits a growing pattern of cyber operations against America's critical infrastructure since the U.S.-Iran war began earlier this year.
The Pentagon is facing criticism after moving some casualties from the Iran conflict into a new reporting category called "Overseas Operations." Defense officials say the change reflects the end of Operation Epic Fury and the start of a new phase of fighting, while veterans and several lawmakers argue it creates confusion over the true human cost of the war.

Like This Story? Check Out What Our Community Is Buying

Our best sellers are designed for real-world use - not hype.

View Best Sellers