On April 4th, 2025, nine children and 18 others were reported killed in a Russian missile attack on the Ukranian city of Kryvyi Rih, with an additional 50 reported injured. This marks the deadliest attack on Ukraine this year. The Russia-Ukraine war began in February of 2022 when Russia invaded Ukraine, escalating tensions that had been building since the independence of Ukraine. Despite attempts from countries around the world to mitigate the conflict, this marks the fourth consecutive year of immense suffering, displacement, and sanctions against Russia. Seemingly with more attempts at producing peace agreements, Russia refuses to agree to a ceasefire and only increases attacks on Ukraine. Regardless of scrutiny and sanctions from across the globe, Russia remains unfazed and continues to rain terror on the people of Ukraine. According to Aljezzera, “Not a single military facility – just civilian infrastructure” was attacked by Russian forces. This was not the only insurgency that occurred this week, as five attacks including the use of ballistic missiles and drones on civilians have been reported.

Although Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has met repeatedly with leaders from around the world who have pledged their support financially and politically, world leaders have not done anything to combat Russia outside of implementing sanctions and holding peace talks regardless of the hundreds of war crimes committed since February 2022. It is obvious that “The whole world sees it. Each missile, every attack drone proves that Russia seeks only war”(Aljezzera). Countries and global peacekeeping organizations must intervene with an alternative tactic before more people are killed and more territory and infrastructure are taken from Ukraine. Although most countries fear the danger of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s rage in conjunction with his nuclear arsenal, approaching the situation calmly in a way that saves Ukraine from an eternal war and eventual death is essential for maintaining the sovereignty of countries in the region. The longer we let Russia’s colonial conquest of Ukraine continue, the more they will be unchecked by international law, gaining enough power to put countries surrounding Russia in imminent danger and leaving Ukraine the subject of eternal subjugation. Global superpowers must remain in check as they grow ever richer and more powerful. The result of unchecked power will be devastating to the entire planet as governments begin to expand and acquire larger nuclear arsenals. The 14,000 deaths in Ukraine will only be the start of the intervention unless more progressive peacekeeping strategies are implemented and states with hegemonic power begin being put in check by the international community.