As G.K. Chesterton, an English writer and philosopher, once said, “The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.” On February 24, Russia began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in a continuation of the war between Russia and Ukraine that started in 2014. While the total number of deaths so far is unknown, an estimated 7,000 to 15,000 Russian troops and 2,000 to 4,000 Ukrainian troops have been killed as of this week. Additionally, 1,430 Ukrainian civilian deaths have been reported, however, the real number for civilian deaths is said to be substantially higher. This invasion has had costly and fatal effects on the country of Ukraine as they endure the fight for their lives and freedom. Since the beginning of this attack, millions have been forced to flee from Ukraine to surrounding countries, one being Poland. Russian leaders initially claimed to only be targeting military facilities. However, soon after the fighting started, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that many civilians have been targeted too. Numerous homes, schools and hospitals have been damaged as Russian bombing attacks have forced citizens to flee with the fear of death. Mariupol’s maternity and children’s hospital in southern Ukraine is one of the hospitals damaged by Russian bombings. The hospital was damaged after a Russian airstrike on March 9, injuring 17 people and killing three, including a child. Zelenskyy has condemned this attack, calling it the “final proof” of a genocide of Ukrainians. “Direct strike of Russian troops at the maternity hospital,” Zelenskyy said. “People, children are under the wreckage. Atrocity! How much longer will the world bean accomplice ignoring terror?” According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there have been more than 60 confirmed attacks on Ukrainian health care facilities as of Friday, March 18. “WHO strongly condemns these attacks. Attacks on health care violate international law and endanger lives,” a WHO representative said. “Even in times of conflict, we must protect the sanctity and safety of health care, a fundamental human right.” Along with hospitals, various locations that are being used as shelters for Ukrainian civilians are being targeted by Russian troops. The Donetsk Regional Theatre of Drama in Mariupol, Ukraine contained a bomb shelter and was struck by a Russian bomb, resulting in an unknown number of casualties. Hundreds of people were assumed to be taking shelter there and their current status is uncertain. Fortunately, however, it is reported that people sheltering there have been gradually emerging alive after the strike. The Mariupol City Council has shared their thoughts on the attack and what events occurred there in a article with Axios. “The plane dropped a bomb on a building where hundreds of peaceful Mariupol residents were hiding,” a Mariupol City Council representative said. Some believe that the United States has been an influential voice during this conflict, with President Joe Biden speaking out about the violence. “Throughout our history we have learned this lesson — when dictators do not pay a price for their aggression, they cause more chaos,” Biden said. “They keep moving. And the costs and threats toAmerica and the world keep rising.” While Biden has condemned these Russian attacks, Zelenskyy is pleading with the United States and its allies to give more aid to Ukraine and its troops. He has requested various forms of help, including the installment of a no- fly zone over Ukraine to prevent any further Russian airstrikes. “Russia has turned the Ukrainian sky into a source of death for thousands of people,” Zelenskyy said. In a recent address, Zelenskyy invoked both Pearl Harbor and September 11, 2001, saying Ukrainians are experiencing this kind of attack and fear daily while pleading for more defense from Congress. He continues to plead with U.S. leaders for more aid and urges Biden to lead by example and prevent more Ukrainian deaths. “I call on you to do more,” Zelenskyy said.“I wish you[Biden] to be the leader of the world. Being the leader of the world means to be the leader of peace.” The death toll rises nearly every day due to this conflict, both for the Ukrainians and the Russian troops. Keep up to date with the invasion by watching local and national news.