Almost three weeks ago, Russia invaded Ukraine, beginning a conflict that has already brought brutal destruction upon the country, sending millions of refugees into Europe and the rest of the world. Many governments have worked to support Ukraine by supplying its military, enacting sanctions against Russia, and freezing the assets of Russian oligarchs.
It is clear that Putin’s War has impacted not only governments and their geopolitical aims but the people at large. The Ukrainian response to Russia’s invasion has captured the hearts of many, from the tens of thousands protesting across Europe, to approximately 50 people coming to see Vance Serchuck speak on Ukraine here at WashU, to the topic dominating everyday discussions. It hasn’t been all talk either. Ukrainian charities and the Ukrainian military have already raised over $50 million. According to Ukraine, some 20,000 volunteers from around the world have already volunteered to take up arms in its defense.
Unlike many of the conflicts of recent decades, Ukraine feels personal to us. It feels like one of us, part of our team, is under attack. This is quite remarkable; a few months ago, the average American gave the country little thought and probably couldn’t point to it on a map. What has suddenly united the Western world in admiration and support for it?
The Ukrainian people themselves, with their unity, bravery, and effective communication skills, deserve credit for bringing forth a comparable unity from the West. Amidst all of the tragedy so far, the world has witnessed their larger-than-life defiance in the face of the invasion. We’ve seen a woman give Russian soldiers sunflower seeds (the national flower of Ukraine) to grow where they die, civilians stand together blocking the path of Russian military vehicles, and heard the story of the soldiers of Snake Island. At the helm is Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who refused invitations from foreign governments to escape the country and instead decided to stay in Kyiv, rising up during the crisis to become a true man of the people. Ukrainians have captured the hearts of the Western world because of how strongly they are standing up for the same values that we aspire to. They are fighting an attack against self-determination, freedom, and democratic rule: things that speak directly to the mythos of our culture and feel deeply just to us.
This message from the Ukrainian people has reinspired a sense of urgency and purpose in Western countries. It is a clear reminder that we do stand for something internationally and that protecting it requires real commitment. Historically, Putin has succeeded in many of his aims: annexing Crimea, supporting separatists in Eastern Ukraine and Bashar al-Assad in Syria, and attempts at influencing Western elections. In part because this is his boldest move yet, the international response this time is very different. The Ukrainian people ensured this international response would become bigger and more united than ever before. Questions about whether to take a stand against Russia and whether NATO and energy independence are worth it have been answered in the minds of the public. Public pressure is sure to make these key issues going forward and will help hold leaders to their promises. Regardless of the outcome of Putin’s War, the Ukrainian people have won hearts all over the West by standing up and championing the things we value better than anyone. Russia, and Putin himself, will be dealing with the consequences for years to come.