Crimean Bridge explosion creates more tension between Russian and Ukraine

On Oct. 5 an explosion on the Crimean Bridge, which connects the territory to Russia, critically damaged much of the structure.

Despite Ukraine denying any involvement, the Russian government was angered, and has since increased its attacks on Ukraine. 

Hundreds of missiles and drones have hit areas across the Ukraine Nation, damaging many civilian areas and multiple power and energy facilities.

Ukraine is currently facing a loss to 40 percent of its electrical power and has government officials scheduling “blackouts” in an attempt to conserve what power they have left.

As Ukraine and the world react to Russia’s recent attacks, many countries are coming to Ukraine’s aid, including the United States.

President Biden approved another $725 million in military aid and will be providing Ukrainian forces with more weaponry and ammunition.

While many countries are in support of Ukraine, countries like Iran are offering their support to Russia.

Iranian drones were used by Russia to attack Ukraine during the last weeks. The “kamikaze” drones have caused damage to facilities and civilians alike.

In response to the recent drone identification, the European Union is planning to impose sanctions on Iranian military leaders and the Iranian country.

Amongst all of this, on Oct. 19, Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a law introducing martial law in four Ukrainian regions that Russia claims to have annexed. The four regions include Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, and Luhansk.

This martial law would allow the Russian Kremlin to impose curfews, seize property, imprison undocumented immigrants, establish checkpoints, detain people for up to 30 days, and forcibly resettle residents to another region.

Putin already planned to resettle residents, and wants to move up to 60,000 citizens from the frontlines in the Kherson region.

Putin has also already ordered the formation of territorial defense forces, a form of civilian militia, that could cause some Ukraine citizens to have to fight against their fellow Ukrainians.

As things continue to progress, the ongoing war is affecting more than just those involved. It is affecting much of the entire world.

Companies like BP, Shell, Exxon, and many others have withdrawn, or are in the process of withdrawing, from Russia.

The already high prices on oil, gasoline, food, and many other products are going to continue to rise as the war continues to affect inflation rates across the globe. 

“Sociopolitical events like this war not only affect folks in the general vicinity, but because the U.S. and other western nations are at the least partially reliant on Russian energy and Ukrainian’s wheat harvest, everyone, even Elmhurst University students, have and will continue to feel the negative effects in higher gas prices, and inflated grocery prices.” said Elmhurst University professor Scott Braam.

As the effects are being felt and the violence of the war is increasing again, many across campus are taking notice. 

“I think it’s vital to know and understand what is going on,” said first year student Alex Rodgers. “Even if it’s not directly affecting us [yet], we need to be aware of what’s going on in other countries.”

Students and staff alike are continuing to keep up with the events as the outcomes are still uncertain.

“I think there will be a lot of uncertainty and lack of closure to this war,” said professor Timothy Hazen. “There are three possible scenarios: Ukraine wins, Russia wins, or the sides navigate some peace agreement in the middle.”