A double sided perspective on the conflict in Ukraine
Ava Bourdeau, Opinion Editor
In recent weeks, the news has been flooded with the events surrounding the conflict between Russia and its neighbor, Ukraine. The escalating tensions have led some to wonder if or how it will touch their lives in the US. For several Samo students, it already has.
Mason Arditi (’24) has family living in both Russia and Ukraine, providing him with a multi-faceted perspective. His brother-in-law is currently in Kharkiv, where thousands of residents are moving to underground shelters due to the immediate threat of Russia. On Feb 27, Putin released a statement warning other nations against coming to the aid of Ukraine, stating that he has troops prepared to attack any countries part of the North Atlantic Trade Organization (NATO) who get involved. No NATO states have struck thus far, although many are accepting refugees. However, for Arditi’s family, as well as troves of other Ukranians, leaving is far from easy.
“They’re sheltering and attempting to move out of the city, but it’s extremely difficult to leave because of damaged roads and traffic from all the escapees,” Arditi said.
Arditi’s family abroad has been keeping him up to date on the situation and his family is chipping in by donating to groups that help refugees and encouraging his loved ones to leave the country while they still can. For Arditi’s family, the need to leave has become more pressing. On Mar 2, Kharkiv became the second target of Russian bombs, marking the largest attack on a European nation since 1945 and prompting roughly 870,000 people to flee, according to CNN. While the Ukrainian government remains intact, it is estimated that thousands have been left injured or dead as a result of the destruction. According to Arditi, the things Ukranians are being exposed to extend beyond what American news sources are showing.
“I have videos from my family in Kharkiv that show the real conditions they’re living in- people are being shot trying to get water, homes are being demolished… it’s much more than what the news is showing,” Arditi said.
The situation has appeared to cause notable political division in Russia. According to Arditi, his family living there is participating in protests condemning Putin and his actions.. Events such as the fall of Chechnya several decades ago, in which Russia absorbed the nation into its own country, follow a similar pattern to what the world is seeing in Ukraine, and some of the Russian people are speaking out against such actions.
Biden continues to hold firm that Americans should not worry about the prospect of nuclear war. Nevertheless, the conflict has managed to touch many in Santa Monica through families such as Arditi’s.
The invasion of Ukraine as of Feb. 26. More bombings and airstrikes have occurred since.