Ukraine At War

On February 24, 2022, Russia escalated its decade-long conflict with Ukraine by invading the neighboring country from the East, North, and South. The invasion caused over 5 million Ukrainians to flee, creating the largest refugee crisis since World War II. Russian forces violently pushed into the Kyiv region occupying key cities such as Bucha, Hostomel, and Irpen to overtake the country's capital, Kyiv. After weeks of brutal fighting, Ukrainian forces repelled Russian troops, leaving Ukrainian civilians to bear the brunt of unimaginable death, destruction, and war crimes.

Ukrainian forces liberated the Russian-occupied city of Bucha on March 31, 2022, revealing a level of violence and destruction that shocked the world. Investigators told the Washington Post that they would likely never have a complete tally of those killed in Bucha. They estimated 458 people were killed or died in Bucha during the Russian occupation, and only 39 of 458 appeared to have died from natural causes. Many showed signs of torture or execution.

Russian forces have deprived families of closure by burning the bodies of civilians, dumping bodies into mass graves, and refusing burials to families living under occupation. Yet, the Ukrainians have endured these atrocities with resilience, dignity, and hope. Ukrainian poet Taras Shevchenko beautifully encapsulates this spirit in his poem Testimony, “Oh, bury me in my beloved Ukraine… then rise ye up and break your heavy chains and water with the tyrants' blood the freedom you have gained. And in the great new family, the family of the free. With softly spoken, kindly words, remember, also, me.”