You might have only recently seen mass coverage in the news, but the conflict between Ukraine and Russia started before this year. To fully understand the impacts of the 2022 invasion of modern-day Ukraine by the Russian military, we must spend time unpacking their history. Current photos, posts, and stories spanning social and mass media, reflect that this crisis is as much about legitimacy, sovereignty, and recognizing the unique Ukrainian culture and identity as it is about land borders.
No matter where we are and how many miles are between us, it’s important to keep ourselves informed about world issues. Did you know Ukraine is one of the top producers of seeds, grains, and oils to the global market?1 Did you know Russia is a key source of fertilizer, natural gas and fuel? A war that started with the invasion of one country by another country has ramifications for countries all over the world. Have you noticed higher gas and ticket prices? Countries around the world are experiencing higher prices too. Russia and Ukraine being important suppliers of two2 significant materials: food and energy, have forced countries to turn to alternative means for energy and farming while risking growing national debt, hunger, and housing shortage to shelter displaced people.2
In addition to economic issues, we must also recognize the social issues affecting civilians’ daily lives. Social issues that we face in the USA bear similarities to issues in Ukraine. Some 5,051.58 miles away, the same global COVD-19 pandemic is impacting communities and has spread as a result of the invasion.3 Our discussions about racism, privilege, power, discrimination, and oppression aren’t limited to the United States. Affected residents fleeing from impacted areas in Ukraine and Russia are facing discrimination and exclusion. Residents who are white are given more aid while residents who are Black are being withheld from receiving aid. Additionally, LGBTQ+ residents are facing similar barriers that impact their ability to find safety.4 By taking time to learn about world matters, we also expand our understanding of those issues affecting us. Concerns of the world are your concerns too! Don’t wait until you feel the impact to care about or do something.
“You can’t think of the global and close your eyes to the details.” - Volodymyr Zelensk
History is ever-evolving and the information included below does not encompass the entire history and experiences of those who have ties with Ukraine or Russia. The information and resources included below does not represent the narratives of an entire population of many individuals. Do you have suggestions and/or resources to add? Email maffai@saic.edu.
On Our Way Home from the Revolution by 
The Gates of Europe by 
A Biography of No Place by For most of us, our newsfeed, our social circles, and our attention is fixed around where we are physically located, but what would happen if our attention was centered on more than just the problems we face in our immediate bubbles?
What other information do you need to stay informed about the Ukraine and Russia conflict?
US Department of Agriculture, “Ukraine Agricultural Production and Trade,” April 2022
Alina Selyukh, Alyson Hurt, Connie Hanzhang Jin, & Nick Underwood, “The ripple effects of Russia's war in Ukraine are changing the world,” Ukraine invasion - explained, NPR, May 10, 2022
Dmytro Chumachenko, Tetyana Chumachenko, “Impact of war on the dynamics of COVID-19 in Ukraine,” BMK Global Health, April 15, 2022
Nadine White, “Ukraine: Concerns mount as Black people report racism while fleeing war zone,” The Independent, February 27, 2022