A series of missile strikes and explosions were reported in various cities in Ukraine and military bases, including the capital of Kyiv and Kharkiv. After weeks of failed diplomatic negotiations and meetings by Western leaders to avoid military confrontation, Russia has officially invaded Ukraine. Putin’s announcement of initiating “special military operations” comes with the aim of demilitarizing Ukraine and protecting Russia. Ukraine police forces have declared at least eight dead, seven wounded, and nineteen missing in the hours following the start of Russia’s military operations — officials continue to evaluate casualties.

Before dawn, Russian President Vladimir Putin declared that Russia did not plan to occupy Ukraine and demanded its military lay down their arms. The Ukraine Border Guard Service published videos of Russian military vehicles crossing the northern borders from Belarus, as well as forces moving in from Crimea, the east, and Black Sea ports. Following the immediate attacks on Ukraine military targets, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy imposed national martial law. Zelenskyy uploaded a video statement asserting, “No panic. We are strong. We are ready for everything. We will win over everybody because we are Ukraine.”

U.S. President Joe Biden shared on social media, “The prayers of the world are with the people of Ukraine tonight as they suffer an unprovoked and unjustified attack by Russian military forces. President Putin has chosen a premeditated war that will bring a catastrophic loss of life and human suffering.” Furthermore, he announced a meeting to be held on Thursday morning with G7 countries to discuss the repercussions and consequences to be imposed on Russia. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned President Putin in a written statement saying that Russia’s attack is a “blatant breach of international law, that is in no way justifiable… our solidarity is with Ukraine and its people.”

The unjustified attack on Ukraine is intolerable and runs the risk of not only severely harming the local communities of Ukraine but could trigger a food and energy crisis. Ukrainians face the risk of military violence, and the world faces the risk of economic volatility. According to a Reuters report, emerging market countries like Turkey, Egypt, and Lebanon are particularly vulnerable to global financial instability due to their dependence on the Russian and Ukrainian wheat industry. Furthermore, while the U.S., U.K., and Turkey have sent military aid, anti-tank missiles, drones, and technological contributions, Germany has opted out of sending military aid to Ukraine in favor of co-financing a $6-million field hospital and providing training.

The Organization for World Peace does not condone violence or simplistic conflict-resolution efforts but does support efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to at-risk communities and actions toward peacemaking operations. A question and critique that arises from President Putin’s actions is how this will affect Western relations with China. Hua Chunying, spokesperson at China’s foreign ministry, responded to the Russian military operation: “China is closely monitoring the latest situation. We call on all sides to exercise restraint to prevent the situation from getting out of control,” but failed to acknowledge it as an “invasion.” It is a global responsibility to denounce Russia’s blatant disregard of national sovereignty and engaging in acts of violence.

The invasion follows Putin’s recognition of two breakaway republics of Donetsk and Luhansk and the arrival of “peacekeeping” troops into these regions on February 21st. While Ukraine’s military forces and armament is significantly less than Russia’s, Ukraine’s commitment to resisting invasion poses a challenge to Russian efforts to demilitarize Ukraine and protect the separatist regions. A decree recently signed by President Zelenskyy announced priority measures to strengthen the state’s defense capabilities, increase the appeal of military service and the transition to a professional army.

Global leaders and communities must continue to reassert the need for Russian military forces to pull out from Ukraine, an end to air strikes on cities and communities, and a call for a ceasefire between Ukrainian and Russian forces. A lasting peace must acknowledge Ukraine’s sovereignty and begin to have peaceful negotiations about the separatist-controlled regions of Ukraine. While violence must be avoided in limiting damage to Ukraine’s communities, the presence of NATO peacekeeping forces could limit Russia’s inclination to use military force. Any sanctions imposed on Russia must directly target government officials or government-affiliated corporations in order to avoid harming the Russian populations who already face unstable economic conditions and decline. Despite President Putin’s threat to any form of interference, the lack of action reflects complacency in these acts of violence.