Graphic design by Sarah Stuart
On Feb. 24, 2022 Ukrainians woke up to an invasion. Russian troops that had been gathering on the border crossed over into Ukraine. The Ukrainian people have dealt with ongoing threats and conflict from Vladimir Putin for years. And the reality of those threats were put on full display for the world to see this past week.
The Torch reached out to local Ukrainian students including Ievgenii Liashenko, a student at University of Oregon to gain a local perspective on the situation. “As a Ukrainian, I’m brokenhearted and deeply sad to see the full-scale Russian invasion. Growing in a peaceful country it’s impossible to imagine a war… until it happens. What Putin does today is disgusting and another level of suffering. The civilized democratic world must do everything possible to protect Ukrainian people, peace in Europe and the rule of law as a whole. For my international colleagues and friends who are sincerely touched by the news: it’s not a ‘war’, ‘conflict’, ‘tensions’, or ‘escalation’ between Ukraine and Russia. Instead, it’s an unprecedented invasion and military aggression. It’s not just Ukraine’s problem, in the 21st century in the connected world nobody is a bystander- it concerns humanity as a whole. Ukraine is just unlucky to be among the first countries in a list to suffer from a mad dictator Putin.”
Lane Community College President Marge Hamilton also released a statement this past week. She stands in support of the Ukrainians and acknowledges the impact this can have on the local community. “The images and news coming from Ukraine are deeply troubling for us as a college and as a part of this community. Leaders from around the globe continue to express strong concern and are working to compel the withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine. We echo the international community’s calls for de-escalation and an immediate resolution to the conflict.” President Hamilton also stated that the Counseling Center and Mental Health and Wellness Center are available for students experiencing distress over these events.
The Torch will continue to follow this story closely. Updates on the global situation will be coming soon.
Research and interview by Leo Lollini.
