Students Respond to Russian Invasion of Ukraine

On February 24, 2022, military forces from Russia, under the command of President Vladimir Putin, invaded neighboring Ukraine, escalating a conflict between the two that has been recurring since 2014. The invasion was marked by a large scale reaction from the world, many in fear of what Russia is doing and others offering support for the people of Ukraine. Bluefield University students had similar reactions.

“They are in the wrong and should definitely be held accountable for their actions,” said Robert Littlejohn about the actions of the Russians. “It is very unfair, and I wish things could be different, because nobody deserves their country to be invaded and taken over.”

Fellow students Brandon Shields and Kerly Thelusme agreed.

“I really feel for the innocent people of Ukraine,” Shields said, “because they didn’t do anything to incite such violent acts against them.”

“My heart goes out to the Ukranian people,” Thelusme said. “It’s a very sad thing that is happening.”

Other BU students, like Daniel Mullins, said they feel like they should educate themselves more on the situation before commenting on the invasion.

“I will say, however, it is not acceptable that innocent people are being harmed,” Mullins said. “I pray that the Ukrainian and Russian people would be protected, that government leaders would seek God’s guidance and repent where needed, and that peace and justice would be promoted around the world.”

To date, the United States has not joined forces with the Ukraine to fight the Russian military. The U.S. has provided $1 billion in financial assistance and sent hundreds of military missiles to the Ukraine. They have also issued a number of sanctions against Russia.

“I don’t think the United States should respond because that is not our problem,” Littlejohn said. “I feel bad for Ukraine, but I don’t understand why we would get involved in someone else’s battle. I think the United States should send care packages, if anything, but I don’t want troops to be sent over there.”

On the other hand, some BU students think the United States should be doing more to help the people of Ukraine.

“The United States should help those people, simply because Russia has no right to force a country to return to them,” Andrea Stinson said. “We all have fought many battles for each other, so now that this small country wants to be independent, then they should have the right to be.”

Other BU students think that if the United States gets more involved that it will just make things worse.

“I don’t believe that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is right; however, I’m not sure how much the United States can do without creating a much larger conflict,” Shields said. “I believe the best way to support Ukraine is to continue to send resources and support. It is a really tough situation and is a lose/lose situation for Ukraine and Russia as lives will be lost on both sides.”

Mullins agreed and said the United States needs to be very careful when calculating its response.

“I am all for helping people, but if we become too involved, could the conflict become worse?” Mullins said. “Could this turn into another World War? Could it cause the United States’ struggling economy to collapse?”

But regardless of the United States’ response, all BU students agree that innocent Ukrainian people should not have to suffer.

“My heart goes out to the families and citizens of Ukraine,” Sydney Horton said. “War is an awful method to resort to, as we have directly encountered with the Russian attacks against Ukraine. The average Ukrainian no longer feels safe in his own nation. Houses, churches, and schools have been destroyed with no remorse. Although the Ukrainian people — like any people — do not deserve the dreadful effects of war, they have stood against the powers of Russia with integrity and strength. I will continue to pray for the Ukrainians as they bravely move forward in the course of their conflict with Russia.”