Collegiate Perspective on the Russian Invasion of Ukraine

Most Americans already know, the Russian military began their invasion into the Ukrainian territory towards the end of February 2022. Nearly all news outlets have covered this global situation, and many policies in Washington D.C. are being created in response. While there seems to be a consensus in Washington on who, what, and how to support a side, the true feelings of the American people have yet to be broadcasted. One of the most underappreciated and often unheard voices of America in the mainstream media is the voice of the young, collegiate voters.

To help understand what the collegiate opinion is on the Eastern European situation, four college students were interviewed. The sample included students aged eighteen, nineteen, twenty-one, and twenty-four years old. To preserve the privacy of the interviewed individuals, all names have been altered. 

Sarah, aged eighteen, has the very same mentality as many congressmen and congresswomen: we should aid Ukraine in support of their fight against the invasion. Sarah supports what she called “indirect aid” in the form of warfare equipment, first-aid, and food supplies. She was opposed to sending American troops into Ukrainian territory out of the fear of unnecessarily risking the lives of military personnel. It is important to note that nearly 6.6 billion dollars of the 13 billion dollars in aid are appropriated toward defensive aid. ¹ 

Ruby, aged nineteen, has very similar opinions compared to Sarah. She believes Russia is entirely wrong for invading Ukraine and believes that Ukraine should do everything it can to get them out. She stated that she did not know as much as some other people, but still knows enough to decide what her thoughts are on the situation. She also agrees with Sarah’s belief that American soldiers should not be deployed into the area. 

Alfred, aged twenty-one, poses an entirely new viewpoint of the European crisis. Alfred believes that what is happening in Europe is absolutely none of the American government’s concern, especially not one for any type of military intervention. He stated that he feels for the Ukrainian citizens, however, he believes that both the Russian and Ukrainian governments are corrupt and abusive towards their own citizens. He said there “shouldn’t be any kind of aid” being sent by the United States government, and the only exception to this would be “humanitarian aid.” 

The final interview was with 24-year-old Dean, who had quite a bit to say about the Ukrainian-Russian conflict. He began by saying he believes the entire conflict is a “battle between two untrustworthy governments.” What he means by this is that he knows of Russia’s tactics and way of operating; they are sneaky and like to move through what he described as “smoke and mirrors.” The idea that the Ukrainian government is untrustworthy is a thought not often discussed. He states that Ukraine has become a hub for “money laundering.” This statement comes after last year’s discovery of the Ukrainian State oil company Burisma being used by businessmen to launder money through. ² Dean believes that the United States’ action of sending defensive aid is entirely inappropriate and believes that America should not become involved. He states there is an altruistic narrative being pushed that allows for the American government to be “riding two horses at once” with choosing to aid Ukraine, but not fully supporting them either. The altruistic idea that Dean highlights is how in any news outlet, there seems to be a “villain and hero” with Russia being the villain and Ukraine the hero that all rational people ought to root for. He believes that Russia is currently being used as a scapegoat for the American problems, such as the increased gas and natural material prices. He states that these problems, which are currently being blamed on the Russians and their invasion of Ukraine, are actually “self-inflicted”. 

One of the more common themes found among the interviewed students was the importance of being informed. Bearing the knowledge of the true operations of the American government between its constituents and beyond helps the American people have a true measure to judge their leaders. The power to elect and remove politicians is something the American people should be able to honestly exercise without deception. To educate yourself on how the American people can start restoring our government and hold our leaders accountable, visit our website here. Affecting political power is impossible for an individual, but being yoked with an activist army can affect change. Remember, change starts with the individual. Help bring back power to the American people and join our fight for a convention of states!

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Notes:

1.       Kelsey Snell, “Congress passes $13.6 billion in Ukraine aid along with government funding,” National Public Radio, March 10, 2022. https://www.npr.org/2022/03/09/1085509937/house-advances-13-6-billion-in-ukraine-aid-along-with-government-funding. 

2.     Isabel Vincent and Kathianne Boniello, “Businessmen accused of Ukraine money laundering gave millions to New York charities,” New York Post, March 6, 2021. https://nypost.com/2021/03/06/businessmen-accused-of-ukraine-money-laundering-gave-millions-to-ny-charities/.