Ukraine

The war is on everyone's mind, and I hope this will end in Ukraine's favor.

I'm cautiously optimistic about Ukraine's chances at beating the Russians. I'm not going to go and say that it's certain, because it's not, and I'd be a fool to say that. But they have a shot.

In my (admittedly short) life, I haven't seen a country's citizens band together like the citizens of Ukraine have. They are doing what they can to help defend their country, and I have not seen that in my life. But history itself has shown that when an entire populace is able to fight together, things can get done. Infighting is detrimental to a cause, and there doesn't seem to be a lot of that. There is simply one clear goal: defend Ukraine.

The entire world is on Ukraine's side. Switzerland and many other countries are putting sanctions on Russia. Disney halted releases of movies there. Countries are accepting Ukranian refugees without requiring a VISA. FIFA has banned them from performing, and countries where Russia has bank accounts have frozen that money. These actions are putting pressure onto Russia. Especially the sanctions. Russia is already losing money to this war. Putin didn't think it would last this long, he thought he would easily invade the country. 

He didn't think that Ukraine would fight back. But they did, and there aren't a lot of funds for the war. And they are losing A LOT because of this. Eventually, it will not become fiscally liable for Russia to continue with this. My hope is that Ukraine can last longer.

And the thing I think will make the most difference: Volodymyr Zalensky is staying in Ukraine. He is fighting alongside his men. He isn't leaving the job to advisors while he stays safe somewhere far away. He is working night and day, along with the citizens, to win this war. And he can hold together his people that way.

He has been compared to George Washington and Winston Churchill, because of his leadership skills. In a crisis like this, these leadership skills and bravery can make all the difference.

Having a strong leader in times of crisis helps people bond together. They set an example for people to follow, they can inspire their citizens to keep fighting, because the leaders are still fighting alongside them.

Am I certain that Ukraine will win? Alas, no. They are fighting up against a lot, and the future is never certain. But they have a fighting chance.