The war between Ukraine and Russia has been constantly talked about and has been increasing in intensity. The Hereford community has started doing their part in supporting the Ukraine.

It is important to know the facts of the Russian-Ukraine conflict, especially when false information spreads rapidly on social media which feeds into teenage life.

The conflict started when President Vladimir Putin declared that he felt that his country was not safe from the constant threat that was coming from Ukraine, when Ukraine was really trying to get away from Russia and become more independent. Putin claimed that his goal was to protect his people from harassment and demands the “de-Nazification” of Ukraine. However, the Ukraine president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, is Jewish. The underlying conflict was talk of the Ukraine joining NATO that could have also led to Putin starting the war.

Putin started bombing airports and military bases in Ukraine while an invasion of troops, tanks, and warplanes and seized control of the Crimea and Kherson in Ukraine, and the country of Belarus. This caused about 90,000 citizens to evacuate.

They have escaped to places like Poland and Hungary that are willing to take them in even if they do not have all the documentation to do so. Poland has provided the refugees with reception centers, food, and medical care, while Hungary is offering cash allowances for the needs of the people while also making room in schools for refugee children.

However, the Ukraine government has ordered men ages 16 to 60 to stay in their country to fight and defend what is left of it.

Russia itself is also experiencing some conflicts due to the war. Many citizens believe the war is unneeded, so thousands of anti-war protestors have been detained and independent broadcasters have been taken off air so they don’t share their views that could oppose Putin’s actions.

Hereford students are trying to figure out ways to help Ukraine, and certain students are directly affected because of they have family near there.

Andreea Basescu (’23) has family friends along the boarder of Ukraine who said they could hear bombing form their home. She also has grandparents that live near Romania that are also being affected. Even though it is a scary thing to have the ones you loved, her and her family are working through it.

“I don’t know exactly where it’s [the invasion] going but everyone should try and stay positive about it,” says Basescu.

Ivanka Charchalis (’25) also has family in Ukraine and lived there until 2014. She handed out hundreds of yellow and blue ribbons she made so she could spread awareness and students can show their support.

Hereford is doing just that, staying positive and showing their support for Ukraine during this crisis, and Rho Kappa is taking it to the next level and making a bigger impact.

The students of the social studies honor society made posters and PowerPoint slides to inform students of the crisis, what they can do to help, and included credible sources they can view for more information. QR codes can also be found in the bathrooms that provide websites with more information regarding the crisis.

“The more young people can do by knowing about world events, the better they can help the countries that need it,” said Amelia Clark (’22), the Rho Kappa president.

They also plan to promote blood drives to help the shortage of blood that would be needed for injuries in Ukraine and want to join UNICEF club in creating fundraisers to directly help Ukraine. Keep an eye out for a fundraiser from the two groups that will benefit American Red Cross. More details about the event will be released soon.