Today In History: Russia Invades Ukraine

On February 24th, 2022, Russia launched a full scale invasion of Ukraine. It began at dawn, Kyiv time, with Infantry, tanks, and air support in Eastern Ukraine, and it included dozens of missile attacks across the country. The first combat took place in in Luhansk, near Milove, close to the Eastern border with Russia. President Vladimir Putin sent 200,00 troops to "demilatrize and denatizify" Ukraine, not long after supporting the independence of eastern Urkrainian territories that were occupied by Russia since 2014. It is a war that has killed thousands; forced millions to flee their homes; devastated cities, towns, and countrysides; and most recently brought the relationship between Russia and NATO into question. Russia's illegal anexation of Crimea and denial of Ukraine's statehood have resulted in a bloody war of attrition; warnings to Western countries against arming; and continuing sanctions, while a growing NATO supplies air defences to Ukraine. Four days ahead of the first anniversary of the invasion, Unted States President Joseph Biden made a surprise  visit to Kyiv and issued a statement to "reaffirm our unwavering and unflagging commitment to Ukraine’s democracy, sovereignty, and territorial integrity."

On February 25th, 2022, President Tom Bailey of Teachers College wrote in a piece entitled, The Crisis in Urkaine, "This has been a somber two days. The invasion of Ukraine is chilling and reminds us that peace and stability are not something we can take for granted. We are deeply saddened by the devastation, disruption and loss of life that will result from this act of war and extend our greatest sympathy and solidarity to Ukraine and to all individuals and families who are scared and suffering.... Our leaders face incredibly difficult decisions and I do not know what their responses will be. But I will continue to draw hope and comfort from the determination of our Teachers College community to promote peace, understanding and human betterment even during these dark moments of history." On March 22nd, 2022, Reflecting on the Last Two Years, Dr. Bailey added, "... the Russian invasion of a peaceful country, and the scale of the humanitarian crisis make this a dark moment in history. We reaffirm our solidarity with the Ukrainian people and with all of the individuals affected by the war." 

The following articles are drawn from Proquest Historical Newspapers, which informs and inspires classroom teaching and learning.

• McLaughlin, D. (2014, Mar 01). Yanukovich Refuses To Accept Defeat As Ukraine Decries
• Russian "Invasion" Of Crimea: Ukraine Crisis West Warns Russia Amid Growing Alarm At Military Movements Acting President Turchynov Appeals To Russia To Stop Military Provocation. The Irish Times (1921-) 
• McLaughlin, D. (2014, Aug 26). Ukraine Accuses Russia Of Incursion: Putin and Poroshenko Set For Talks With EU Officials As Russia Plans Second Aid Convoy Ukraine Leader Dissolves Parliament and Announces Elections For October 26th. The Irish Times (1921-) 
• McLaughlin, D. (2014, Aug 29). Russia Calls Tune In Crisis Europe Hoped To Wish Away: Ukraine Crisis Analysis Months Of Weakness and Disunity Among Ukraine's Allies Have Left It Exposed To Kremlin Aggression. The Irish Times (1921-) 
• MacFarquhar, N. (2018, Oct 08). Russia-Ukraine Tensions Set Up the Biggest Christian Schism Since 1054. New York Times (1923-) 
• Kramer, A. E. (2018, Dec 16). Ukraine Fears Russian Military Buildup At Border. New York Times (1923-) 
• Nechepurenk, I., & Alter, A. (2019, Aug 05). Published In Russia, But Missing Parts About Russia: A Book's Translation Removed Or Altered Passages Critical Of Putin's Administration. New York Times (1923-) 
• Sabre Rattling Resumes: Russia-Ukraine Tensions. (2021, Nov 16). The Irish Times (1921-) 
• Wall, M. (2021, Dec 07). Biden To Raise Ukraine Concern With Putin: US Concerned Build-Up Of Russian Forces Close To Ukraine Could Be Prelude To invasion Kremlin Expected To Seek Guarantees Nato Will Not Expand East To Take in Ukraine. The Irish Times (1921-) 
• Wall, M. (2021, Dec 08). Biden Warns Russia Over Ukraine Invasion: President Says US and Allies Will Respond With 'Strong Economic and Other Measures' Russia Reportedly Seeking Guarantees Nato Will Not Expand East To Take in Ukraine. The Irish Times (1921-) 
• O'Leary, N. (2021, Dec 18). EU Warns Russia Against Ukraine Attack: Leaders Stress 'Massive Consequences' As Russia Issues New Demands Of West. The Irish Times (1921-)

Tips: 

• Ukraine: A Year of War. The New York Times. Live Updates.
• Be sure to revisit the Everett Cafe book display, Ukraine: Tracking the Journey of the Sun Across the Sky which explores the complex history of Ukraine, focusing on pre and post Soviet influences, identity, and power against the landscape of revolution, independence, and invasion by Russia.
• Also visit the new art exhibit in Offit Gallery, Ukrainian Children's Art From the 1930s: Educating for Citizenship for a historical perspective and introduction to the involvement of Teachers College in education in Ukraine.

Images:

• War in Ukraine (2022), 24th of February, 2022 Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
• Three Pelicans, by Severyn, Ukrainian Children's Art Collection, Courtesy of Teachers College, Columbia University

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