Russia’s invasion into Ukraine has quickly turned deadly. Ukraine’s Health Minister reported that 57 people were killed and 169 wounded in the first day of fighting.
EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell said: “These are among the darkest hours of Europe since the Second World War.”
Dr. Emily Channell-Justice, a director at Harvard University’s Ukrainian Research Institute, called the invasion devastating, but not surprising.
“We always knew that this was an option that that Putin may take advantage of,” Channell-Justice said.
World leaders have promised additional sanctions on Russia in an effort to force Russian President Vladimir Putin to withdraw troops.
“We have purposefully designed these sanctions to maximize the long term impact on Russia and to minimize the impact on the United States and our allies,” President Biden said. “We will limit Russia’s ability to do business in dollars, euros, pounds and yen to be part of the global economy… we’re going to stunt the ability of to finance and grow Russia… and we’re going to pare their ability to compete in high-tech 21st century economy. ”
Additionally, Channell-Justice said the United States and Ukranian allies need to offer continued aid to Ukraine.
“Obviously, if we’re not willing to send U.S. troops to Ukraine, then we should be focusing on helping the people of Ukraine in any way possible. And that and that means humanitarian assistance right now,” she said.