The Ukrainian War Continues On
When is a state allowed to escalate a war or conflict? According to international law under the U.N. Charters, a state has the right to defend itself only against an attack. But why won’t Russia follow international law?
Russia violated this international law when it first gained control of Crimea back in 2012 and then started its invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. Much of this was motivated by Putin, who since the Soviet Union collapsed, has had his eye on controlling Ukraine. Back in 2022, the conflict was the top story on every news channel, but now it sometimes feels like it’s not even happening anymore.
And yet the war continues. On September 14, 2026, Russia launched a drone strike on the Yahodyn railway station, which is only 1.2 miles away from the Polish border. According to CNN, several Western officials, including former CIA chief David Petraeus, former UK prime minister Boris Johnson, and other high-ranking officials, were either nearby or on the train. They were all likely targeted.
But why does this even matter? The Yahodyn railway station is a hub for diplomats, heads of state, and other senior officials to show their support, share sensitive information, and discuss other vital matters. Also, the railway extends into Poland, giving the state’s senior officials a safe exit from Ukraine.
Drone strikes from Russia have been on the rise recently, aiming for key facilities and even civilians. These high-tech drones can transmit signals and give video feed to the pilots back in Russia. This long-range network system opens up many opportunities for further cyber warfare against Ukraine while reducing the risks to them.
For Tamara Shpylova ‘27, the war in Ukraine brought an abrupt shift from pursuing music to finding safety. Before the fighting began, she lived in Ukraine and had just joined a girl group. The group was preparing to record music, film videos, and perform. “Right before the war started, I felt like my dreams were finally coming true,” she said. “Then suddenly, all of that disappeared.”
Leaving Ukraine when the fighting started meant giving up those immediate plans while facing uncertainty about whether she could return. Despite that experience, Shpylova hopes to go back when it is safe. “Ukraine is a huge part of who I am,” she said, pointing to the family and memories she still has there.
The experience has also changed her relationship with the news. Shpylova tries not to follow coverage too closely because it can bring stress after witnessing the beginning of the war firsthand. Her grandfather is serving in the Ukrainian military, and the conflict remains deeply personal. Security concerns limit what he can share during their occasional conversations, leaving another part of her family’s life shaped by the war.
Currently, around 6 million Ukrainians fled their country due to the Russian offensive. With winter rolling in, more people in Ukraine will suffer because they do not have enough heating, food, or even clean water to last the season. Clearly, the agony from this war is enormous and still, there is no end in sight.