Since February 24, 2022, the global public has been concerned with suffering and destruction. The Ukraine war, which not only directly affects the lives of millions but also has far-reaching geopolitical and economic implications, dominates the news situation in Germany.
Russia is attacking, Ukraine is fighting for its sovereignty
The war in Ukraine is primarily a military conflict between Ukraine and the Russian Federation. Ukraine, supported by much of the Western world, is fighting for its territorial integrity and sovereignty.
Since Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the subsequent conflict in eastern Ukraine, tensions have steadily escalated, culminating in a full-scale invasion by Russia on February 20, 2022. Russia, on the other hand, justifies its actions with the protection of its national security and the defense of Russian-speaking minorities in Ukraine.
US government counts 190,000 dead soldiers
Determining the exact number of deaths is difficult and often controversial in the heat of the conflict. Nevertheless, it is clear that both sides are suffering significant losses. The “New York Times” reports, citing US government officials, more than 120,000 fallen Russian soldiers and 70,000 Ukrainian soldiers dead, of whom Volodymyr Zelensky is the main commander.
In addition, there are over 170,000 injured on the Russian side and over 100,000 on the Ukrainian side. In total, the war has already claimed 500,000 injured and killed soldiers. Civilian casualties in Ukraine amount to, according to the AND to over 10,000 people killed. The organization also counts over 18,500 injured civilians in Ukraine. (As of January 2024)
Criminal prosecution of war crimes is extremely difficult
There have been numerous acts of violence since the war in Ukraine began. The AND accuses the Russian side in particular of torture and sexual violence. Ukrainian soldiers are also said to have committed war crimes, according to a report by the UN commission of inquiry.
The small Ukrainian town of Bucha became a symbol of war crimes in the spring of 2022. After the Russian occupation, for the first time the international public became aware of the crimes committed in the Russian war of aggression. The mass murder of the population of Butscha is now well documented. Human Rights Watch, research by journalists and Ukrainian investigative authorities can confirm that numerous civilians were executed in Bucha.
Ukrainian authorities estimate there are over 600 victims, reports das ZDF. According to the UN, since the crime in Bucha, systematic torture has also occurred in Kherson and Zaporizhia, among other places. In some cases, minors were even abducted to Russia and separated from their families. However, because Russia completely evades accountability mechanisms, prosecuting war crimes cases is extremely difficult.
Over eight million people are refugees
After the invasion of the country, a large part of the Ukrainian population was forced to leave the country. Women and children are predominantly on the run. This is because men between the ages of 18 and 60 are banned from leaving the country. They are obliged to protect Ukraine against Russian attacks.
Due to the few border controls in the European Schengen area, exact refugee numbers are difficult to determine. According to the UN refugee aid Around six million Ukrainians now live in Europe. Most of them fled to Germany. The Federal Republic has loudly Media service integration welcomed over 1.1 million Ukrainians. Over 900,000 Ukrainians have also fled to Poland. 3.7 million people are fleeing war within Ukraine. Many Ukrainians have already returned to their home country.
Meanwhile, around 300,000 Ukrainians have already left Germany. The humanitarian situation in Ukraine remains catastrophic. The UN provides humanitarian assistance to over 17 million people in Ukraine. (As of January 23, 2024)
“A turning point”: Germany feels the effects of the war in Ukraine
Putin’s decision to attack Ukraine has far-reaching effects across the world – including Germany. The war determines the news situation in Germany in various ways. Just a few days after the start of the war, Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s (SPD) “Turning of the Times” speech dramatically changed Germany’s political direction.
Among other things, he announced that Germany would upgrade the Bundeswehr and that a special fund of 100 billion euros would be made available for this purpose. From now on, the goal formulated by NATO that every country should invest at least two percent of its own gross domestic product in defense should be adhered to.
In addition, the federal government is abandoning the principle of not supplying weapons to war zones. Germany supplies Ukraine with tanks, ammunition, helmets and other military equipment.
The fact that Germany, in cooperation with the international community, imposed sanctions against Russia and Putin has led to an energy crisis in this country. Germany was dependent on Russia for years and now has to do without Russian gas. Germany is now increasingly purchasing gas from Norway, the Netherlands and Belgium. Liquefied natural gas (LNG) from overseas also contributes to the energy supply.
In the wake of rising prices, the federal government put together three relief packages worth billions. After all, it’s not just energy costs that have risen – Germans have also been paying more in other areas since the start of the war.
EU, G7 countries impose thousands of sanctions on Russia
Vladimir Putin has the world with his declaration of war against Ukraine in February 2022 shocked. The reactions were accordingly. The European Union, the G7 countries, Australia and Switzerland imposed the first sanctions against Russia a few days after the start of the war. In total, Russia has faced over 10,000 different sanctions since the start of the war. With its sanctions, the EU has set itself the goal of weakening Russia’s elite politically and economically, making it more difficult to finance the war and weakening Russia’s economy.
Many foreign companies have already left Russia. However, nothing has changed in the cityscape of Moscow. Western logos have been replaced by very similar Russian companies.
Putin’s war of aggression is supported by only a few states. The UN General Assembly called for a withdrawal of Russian forces in February 2023. In the vote, only six countries and Russia itself voted against it.
Belarus North Korea Eritrea Syria Nicaragua Mali
32 countries abstained – including India and China. 141 countries condemn the war and demand Russia’s withdrawal.
Nazi propaganda essential for Putin
The war in Ukraine has resulted in both Russia and Ukraine spreading propaganda and disinformation. The death toll shows that both sides are either exaggerating or hiding something. What is special about this conflict is that it is the first war on European soil that is also being waged on social media.
TikTok, Twitter, Instagram and Co are used by both sides for propaganda. Since the beginning of the war in Russia there has been talk of the “denazification of Ukraine” and a so-called “special military operation”. Putin keeps distorting facts. The Nazi comparison is particularly popular and important in Russia. Because his propaganda is intended to secure the support he needs for his war in Ukraine.
Can Ukraine win?
The question of whether Ukraine can win the war is complex and depends on many factors, including military strategy, international support and the resilience of the Ukrainian population. While some analysts emphasize Ukraine’s military advances and highlight increasing Western support in the form of arms sales and sanctions against Russia, others warn of the long-term challenges posed by a long-term conflict.
No diplomatic solution in sight
At this point, the situation in Ukraine remains volatile and the future uncertain. The front lines are constantly changing and despite various efforts to find diplomatic solutions, there is no end to the conflict in sight. International efforts to de-escalate the situation are in full swing, but the situation remains tense.