Sameen Siddiqui

Mrs. Diaz
Honors World Cultures
11 March 2014
Russia invades Crimea
As we sit here innocently awaiting our day tomorrow, the people of Crimea fear tomorrow. The
world around is full of so many issues, it seems as if they never end. During these past few
weeks Russia and Crimea have entered themselves into what could soon be a war. Crimea is
located in Ukraine, but most of the people in Crimea are ethnic Russians. Russia contemplates
that these ethnic Russians are given no freedom and are under jeopardy in Crimea. Russia as a
strong power has decided to invade Crimea and create tension between both countries.
Meanwhile, they have detained control of multiple military bases that belong to the Ukrainians.
This has resulted in electricity cut from many parts of Ukraine. The decision now remains to
Crimea as to if they would like to align with Russia or persist with Ukraine. The people will vote
to decide the outcome of this situation, but as of right now the votes to join Russia outnumber
the Russians by three to one. Just put it this way, Ukraine is out of control. Vladislav Seleznyov,
a spokesman for the Ukrainian Defense Departments recalls seeing 200 men in uniform arrive
in western Crimea, ordering the troops on base to surrender all weapons. The Ukrainian
soldiers refused, and left base. Similar cases like this have taken place all across Ukraine at navy
facilities, military hospitals and two other bases. Activists who do not favor Crimea returning to
Russia have gone missing across Ukraine. Even if you were alive, the conditions you would face
would be unbearable, just imagine kneeling on the ground with your hands tied behind your
back. This uprising, this soon to be war, might just be an important crisis in your eyes, but its
the entire world in someone elses eyes. Its time we open our eyes and be more aware of our
surroundings and the society around us. Its time we care.
Imagine being a situation where your country is invaded and your whole life takes a
turn. Crimea is a perfect example of this. Crimea and Russia were once both a part of the Soviet
Union therefore much of the population in Crimea is Russian. Thats where the problem comes
in today, Russia wants a better being for its people in Crimea. Regardless, was it right of Russia
to barge into Ukraines lands and take over? The answer is no. The Russians most likely had
their own issues and stomping into Crimea created thousands of more. In the first place it
wasnt their land plus they had no right to intervene with the government and its actions.
Starting in kindergarten all children are taught not to take whats not theirs, youd think world
leaders would know this too.
As Theodore Roosevelt once said No man is worth his salt who is not ready at all times
to risk his well-being, to risk his body, to risk his life, in a great cause. Russia and Ukraine have
been fighting for an extensive time now, and the problem only expands. If no actions take

place, this issue will soon become one that will affect us all. We must not be pacifists, we must
take a stand for all, and we must make a change; we the United Nations and United States.
Intervening with this major crisis has many ups and downs, but we must try in order to succeed
even if that means risking. Who knows what will happen, but if the US and UN step up possibly
an end could be brought to this escalating war. Unfortunately, if ends are not met, affiliations
and alliances could be forever ruined, and we may find ourselves in combat with them. Its not
the outcome that only matters, to be truly positive in the eyes of some, you have to risk
appearing negative in the eyes of others.