The recent Russian invasion of Ukraine has left the Ukrainian people desperate for aid. Despite the fact that the government of Ukraine is asking for assistance, Russia seems to be taking Ukraine for granted. The war in Ukraine is not a game of numbers; it’s a matter of human lives. Whether or not Russia is successful in reestablishing control over the Ukrainian country is unclear.

The main difference between Russia and Ukraine is how each country sees the Soviet era. The Ukrainians present the Soviet period as one of darkness, and Russia views the era as something that has to be left behind. While Ukraine’s leaders have criticized the Soviet era in the past, Russian President Vladimir Putin has sought to highlight what the Soviet era has contributed to the greatness of the country. In the March 2014 speech before the Russian parliament, Putin stated that he sees Ukraine as one people.

The war in Ukraine has continued for over a month. However, it is clear that less Russians are paying attention to the conflict. As long as the border remains open, concern about the war is likely to remain low. Moreover, the drawn-out hostilities are beginning to look like a second pandemic.

Putin’s decision to use force in Ukraine smacks of desperation. It is also worth mentioning that Ukraine does not belong to NATO or to a collective defense commitment. Both countries have significant differences in military strength. Russia is the world’s leader in missile technology. It is capable of destroying Ukrainian air defenses, and it has the ability to take over ports and airports.