Tensions in Europe are Running High as a Result of Russia's Unprovoked Attack on Ukraine

Angelina Higgins

March 2022

In recent years, Russia’s position of power on the world stage has diminished as more countries democratize and open free markets. This perceived threat grew larger for Russia as Ukraine continued its effort to join North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in order to secure its place as a partner with western Europe.

NATO was created in 1949, following World War II, in order to protect European countries in the event that Russia attacks one of the 30 member countries. There are 14 articles, Article 5 of the NATO charter dictates that if one of the member countries is attacked, all members are attacked. Article 5 has only been invoked once in its history, that was the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center. The real irony here is the attack on Ukraine by Russia appeared to be timed before Ukraine became a full member of NATO and Russia would not be subjected to Article 5 by member countries.

Russia continues its attack on Ukraine and the international community seems to be struggling with how to deal with President Putin has made it clear that nuclear power is on the table. The international community is trying to thread the proverbial needle with its response to Russia to avoid an all-out war. It appears most countries in the world have implemented sanctions on Russia except for China and a few other rogue countries. The sanctions will have some economic and political ramifications, however, at the time of this writing the U.S. and most of Europe continue to buy crude oil from Russia, essentially funding the war which they’re grandstanding against.

It has been 13 days since Russia invaded Ukraine. Ukraine claims that over 3,400 of its civilians have been killed thus far. According to the United Nations, approximately 1.7 million refugees have fled Ukraine. According to OVD-Info, Russian authorities have arrested over 13,000 anti-war protesters and have killed over 300 others. Russia continues its efforts to capture the capital of Ukraine, Kyiv, but Ukraine is fiercely pushing back.