I have seen the horrors of war first hand experienced what it does to the people of the countries involved. No matter the reasonings for war, there is no doubt that the people who suffer the most are the civilians who get caught in the crosshairs of military leaders’ desire to win each battle.
For over six months, I have watched it happen again, this time to the people of Ukraine. While we can not fully fathom what this country did to deserve such destruction and hatred from Russia, we can bear witness to the atrocities committed against these people.
It’s estimated by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights that over 5,700 civilians have been killed so far in this war, not counting soldiers on both sides who have also lost their lives. Over 8,000 more have been reported injured. According to Acled, there have been over 10,000 deaths total from this conflict. However, we may not be sure of the full extent of these numbers until the battles have finally settled. We’ve also seen the threat of instability in Ukraine and the rest of Europe's resources cut off left and right.
Not to mention the cost. Billions of dollars have been pouring into the country to assist the Ukrainian people willing to fight—even more aid to the people suffering from injuries or being displaced from their homes. Add on top of that the billions in losses to crops and an energy crisis felt throughout Europe.
We will continue to see the ripples of this war. One-third of the country has been displaced. Rebuilding will require billions of dollars to rebuild the county, and hospitals and schools lay in ruins.
What’s mind-boggling about this situation is that most of these people are innocent. They didn’t do anything to deserve these bombings, these attacks, and they were just everyday people living their lives on land that happens to be so close to Russia’s border.
I wonder if there is a little girl in Ukraine or outside of the country where I was. Did she receive the same opportunity as I got a car? Is she alone and afraid, wondering why she’s in pain? Will she relearn how to walk?
(Maja Kazazic - Rescue, 1993)
After these long months, the cost of war may seem too great. However, the truth is that peace and justice are worth the price and the fight. As I watch the Ukraine forces start to win back some of their territories, I only wish there was hope for those little girls and boys that are now where I once was because this is only the beginning of their journey.
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