Six months ago, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The half-year mark happened on Tuesday 24th, the same day the country celebrated its independence from the Soviet Union.
The impact the war has had on the world and especially on Ukrainians is undeniable. Thousands of civilians have been killed or injured and millions have been displaced from their homes and country.
Some of these effects have been felt here on campus and in Laramie.
Economics Associate Professor Sasha Skiba was born in Ukraine and his parents live in the western city of Rivne.
“There’s not a lot of direct threats like planes flying overhead, the cannons are not shooting at them but what is happening is random cruise missiles, and so they have this constant state of terror,” said Skiba.
This state of terror made no exceptions for Independence Day as Russia massively intensified rocket strikes across Ukraine.
“My dad said the air raid sirens have not stopped. For example, on Independence Day, there were six,” said Skiba.
Katherine Fitch, a graduate student at UW, and Allen Gonzales, a member of Feeding Laramie Valley, also have connections in Ukraine.
Both were Peace Corps volunteers in Ukraine and have managed to stay in contact with the friends they made there and who still live in Ukraine.
“I had a few friends take pictures on the main streets of Kyiv on the 24th, where they had shown destroyed Russian military,” said Fitch, “but in terms of celebrations, there wasn’t as much just because of the threat of the unknown.”
As the war drags on, people have begun to lose focus and find it harder to stay informed. i
“I guess everybody settles into their routines,” Skiba said. “And there’s also other news happening.”
However, there are ways people can still help and stay informed.
Sunflower Seeds Ukraine is a non-profit organization that provides medical aid, protective gear, and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine.
Skiba said “[Sunflower Seeds Ukraine] is my go-to now because they’re just I mean… it’s one of those things where it’s being able to talk to one person who has all kinds of direct connections.”
Fitch and Gonzales had suggestions as well.
“A really great way to stay updated is following the Instagram account Saint Javelin because they’re all memes about the war, with some news thrown in there,” said Fitch. “It’s also a great store and 100% of the proceeds go to Ukraine.”
The two also mentioned calling state representatives and talking about important issues, like the war in Ukraine.
Fitch said, “It’s a simple step that any person can do even if it feels small.”
Gonzales reached out to Wyoming State Senator John Barrasso.
Gonzales said, “To [Barrasso’s] credit, he sent back how committed he is to Ukraine in written form.”
As this war carries on the effects will continue to be felt worldwide and Ukraine will continue needing support.
“We are protectors of the free world and protectors of democracy,” said Fitch. “We know this war puts not only our safety and well-being in jeopardy but all of Europe as well. I believe that we need to keep supporting them.”
