The vast majority of people in Europe are in support of Ukraine against the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Everyone is coming together to help Ukraine, even governments are making U-turns in policy to help Ukraine on aid, military, and refugee support. But why? Why is this more important than wars in the middle east, many of them exacerbated by western intervention?
World Wars. If you take a look at history, the two world wars started in Europe. We know that the past wars that have started in Europe have led to world wars. Furthermore, wars in the middle east would unlikely form into a world war. I am fairly certain that the thought of a world war never crossed your mind when the first news report of middle-eastern conflicts were shown to you. Whereas, many of you already know the difference in feeling from waking up to the news that Russia invaded Ukraine. This is the biggest reason why it is very important to not downplay this invasion.
Regional dominance. Russia already has influence everywhere and has waged wars in the past 30 years. However, the difference in the invasion of Ukraine is that Russia is intending to extend its borders further west, encroaching on western democracies. This is much different from Russia’s and the US’s invasions of the middle east, where they sought to change regime and influence only – not to extend their borders. There is also a risk that not standing up to Russia at this point will empower Russian leaders to go further into Europe and empower other powerful countries to take military action in other parts of the world. Thus, a Russian war with NATO is not the most dangerous situation, but not standing up to aggressors is.
In addition, Ukraine recently has found natural gas deposits which would compete with Russia in the sale of gas to Europe. Allowing Russia to have this natural resource will give them more power and more revenue. Giving them the ammunition to make ultimatums to the west.
The refugee crisis. Let us not be naïve to think that Europe has not had refugees since the world war. Refugees from Syria have been on the lips of European politicians, most trying to limit the amount they take. But when it comes to Ukraine, everyone is opening up with open arms! Make no mistake, the current Ukrainian refugee crisis will be far larger than that seen from the middle east (660k fled during the first week of the conflict). This is due to the location of Ukraine being in Europe, thus, Europe has no choice but to accept them – because the alternatives Belarus or Russia.
Population unity. Unlike other wars, which have been based on the fractioning of the population into different sides. The people of Ukraine are almost unilaterally against Russian occupation. Indeed, the western media may be inflating this statement. But I highly doubt that people in Ukraine want Russian occupation now that they are shelling their homes, otherwise they would not need to invade. Russian soldiers that were told they would be welcomed with flowers have realised this.
For those of you who are still unconvinced from my comments, let me remind you that this invasion is involving more troops and equipment than any war in a generation. It also has the potential to escalate and overflow into your territory – the potential for it to involve many more people is high. Raising awareness is important to limit this potential as the casualties in the first week are already in the 1000s. Not to mention the possible nuclear fallout.
Therefore, please do not say it is not as important as other wars. It might just be a matter of time that a shell lands on everyone’s doorstep, especially if you live in Europe.