In the latest development across the sea, at least 50 people were killed, 100 wounded, during a strike on Ukrainian Train Station April 8. 

In Kramatorsk, the main point of evacuation for thousands of Ukrainian civilians was the target of Russia’s increased offensive strategy, resulting in the death of far too many. Officials stated that there were about 4,000 people at the station at the time of the strike, many of which were identified as children.

The growing number of casualties inflicted by Russia’s actions have resulted in harsh sanctions imposed by Western nations. The European Union approved a ban on coal imports as well as sanctions against any new investments in Russia and on Russian government officials and their family members.

Despite these sanctions, however, Russia continues to advance a more forceful push on expanding control in the east and south of Ukraine. This alarming progression in offensive maneuvers is rooted in the Russian failure to capture the capital, Kyiv. 

Officials in the Ukraine are warning civilians that the opportunity to leave the region is rapidly fleeting as an eight mile long convoy of Russian armored vehicles are reported to be moving east of Kharkiv, the nation’s second largest city. Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine’s president acknowledged these advancing efforts and assured the Ukrainian people, “We are preparing for these actions. We will respond.” Zelensky furthered, stating, “Lacking the strength and courage to stand up to us on the battlefield, they are cynically destroying the civilian population… This is an evil that has no limits. And if it is not punished, it will never stop.” 

Professor of Russian History, Philip Pajakowski relayed his thoughts stating that “Russian president Putin has long made clear he had no respect for the Ukrainian government or the desire of the people of Ukraine to determine their own future.” These words are emphasized by the civilian death toll climbing to well over 900, with the true number estimated to be much higher. 

Professor Pajakowski continued his statements and reflected upon the reasons why the leader of Russia is actively choosing to enact such atrocious war crimes. “After threatening the Ukrainians  for several weeks in December and January, Putin ordered the Russian army to invade Ukraine last month. What exactly Putin hoped to gain by that is unclear.  I doubt that Putin himself really knows.  He may wish to crush the country and annex it entirely; he may only want to take parts of it that border on Russia.  He probably wants to distract the Russian people from the incompetence and corruption of his own government.  He may have some grand plan to reestablish Russia as a dominant power stretching from Eastern Europe across Central Asia.  Whatever he wanted to achieve, his plan has so far failed miserably.” Pajakowski further, explaining, “The Russian army has suffered heavy losses from the Ukrainians and has yet to score any important victories.  Maybe from frustration, the Russians have turned to indiscriminately bombing Ukrainian cities. Thousands of people have been killed, and millions have fled their homes.  No sensible person could see anything intelligent or justifiable in what the Russians have done in this war.”

From the United State’s efforts, President Joseph Biden publicly argues that, “the attack on a Ukrainian train station is yet another horrific atrocity committed by Russia, striking civilians who were trying to evacuate and reach safety.” He also personally vowed to send more weapons to Ukraine and work with allies to investigate and ultimately hold Russia accountable for their actions. 

Professor Pajakowski, when looking at the United States efforts led by President Biden stated that “The United States should continue its current policies:  support the Ukrainians internationally, provide them with weapons and training to defend themselves, and provide humanitarian aid to the people of Ukraine.” And specified, “President Biden has provided effective leadership in bringing our European allies together to resist Russian aggression.  He also made clear the United States does not seek direct confrontation with Russia.  Military engagement between Russian and American forces could lead to a catastrophic war between nuclear superpowers.  President Biden is well aware of this and has made clear that the United States supports Ukraine, is committed to our alliances with neighboring European states,  but will not provoke Russia.”

Biden’s efforts to subdue Putin’s offense mirrors that of many other allied nations who wish to see the end of the ever growing list of casualties. The European Union has set up a joint team with Ukraine to formally investigate any alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in the war. Russia has repeatedly denied any atrocities committed on behalf of their soldiers, however, allied powers intend to do whatever it talks to bring war crime charges against the Kremlin.