As tensions begin to arise in Ukraine, Russia has reached 70 percent of military buildup. United States media reports, this military buildup is needed for Russia on their terms, to successfully invade Ukraine. Anonymous American officials further reported that there could be as many as 50,000 civilian deaths if Russia invades Ukraine and captures the capital.

In response to these reports, Dmytro Kuleba, Ukraine’s foreign minister, states in short that Ukraine is ready for any attacks or developments and that “This enemy [Russia] should be afraid of us.” However, human rights groups like Amnesty International and others argue that the conflict most likely will yield devastating results as approximately millions of Ukrainian citizens would be displaced following the aftermath. These fears most likely result from the 100,000 Russian troops that have reached the border between Ukraine and Russia. Unfortunately, President Volodymyr Zelensky seems to disagree with these fears and claims the U.S. media is exaggerating the situation.

President Zelensky has downplayed the threat of Russian invasion into Ukraine as several news outlets report it as a way to ease the Ukrainian population’s fears and prevent markets from crashing. Furthermore, President Vladimir Putin of Russia claims that the U.S. ignores Russia’s concerns over Ukraine. Moreover, Putin claims that the U.S. is using the conflict between Russia and Ukraine to contain and control Russia. Lastly, Putin insists that the U.S. back away from eastern Europe. However, he ultimately stresses that he hopes for a solution to the conflicts between both countries.

One question that seems to be on most people’s minds is what will Russia gain from invading Ukraine? A Russian security analyst argues that Russia has nothing to gain from the invasion other than hurting the Ukrainian military while forcing the country to uphold its end of the Minsk agreement. The Minks agreement was a call to a cease-fire in 2015 between Russia and Ukraine in Donbas.

In conclusion, tensions continue to arise in Ukraine as Russian troops continue to make their way to the border between Russia and Ukraine. If the invasion occurs, anonymous U.S. officials and Ukrainian human rights groups state the aftermath would be devastating. Not only did U.S. officials predict that there may be up to 50,000 civilian deaths, but that a refugee crisis would be sure to happen as millions of Ukrainian citizens would be displaced as a result. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky continues to downplay the threat as a way to ease Ukrainian civilians. In contrast, Russian President Vladimir Putin insists that their goal is not to start a war but rather for their concerns to be heard.

Fortunately, there is hope that tensions will ease as several European leaders are expected to visit Moscow and Kyiv within the next week in an attempt to calm both parties.