Maura Peters

Myroslava Goodpaster supporting her nation from the state capital in Des Moines.

As war emerged in Ukraine just eight months ago, citizens all throughout the globe have been questioning what drove Russian leaders to commit such awful acts. With no regard to human life whatsoever, Russian forces have destroyed Ukraine, causing the economy and population to sink. 

The answer to this essential question has remained unanswered, with great confusion amongst all. The natural resources located in Ukraine have been a motivating factor for the Russian government. Disregarding human life, homes, schools and hospitals have all been destroyed to obtain the minerals beneath the soil. 

Ukraine is rich in minerals like coal, iron and manganese, with mines being a common source of wealth. The production and exploration of these resources have increased in the last decade, with Ukrainian leaders hoping to draw away from Russia through its new and diverse exports. 

In addition to the minerals, Russians have claimed land containing gas, oil and propane. The imperialization of land in Ukraine is causing the economy to plunge as the war continues.

Stanislav Zinchenko is the chief executive of GMK, an economic think tank based in Kyiv, Ukraine. He reflects on the dangers that face his nation as Russia continues to penetrate the land and soil in his home country.

“The worst scenario is that Ukraine loses land, no longer has a strong commodity economy, and becomes more like one of the Baltic states, a nation unable to sustain its industrial economy,” he said. “This is what Russia wants. To weaken us.”

Myroslava Goodpaster is the mother of three PV students. Born in Ukraine, her homeland ties have remained strong. She and her family are trying to remain in contact with those the war has affected. 

She stated, “I am from Western Ukraine, but the war in Ukraine is still impacting my family and friends directly. Some of them are fighting on the front lines, some are opening their houses to those who had to leave their homes in the Eastern Ukraine, some even left the country. Unfortunately, I lost two of my very close friends who died defending our land and freedom.”

“The war also changed our lives here abroad, far from Ukraine. We are far from the war but the Ukrainian tragedy feels very close; we are doing fundraisers to raise money for medical supplies for Ukraine, we are creating awareness among our friends in Quad Cities and on social media about the war and the situation in Ukraine ….” she continued

Myroslava’s daughter Emily is a senior at Pleasant Valley High School. She has previously shared her feelings about the war in Ukraine and its prolonged impact on her family. However, connecting the effects of the war and the cause of the war allows everything to come full circle. 

Ever since the war began this February, it has been evident that the Russians will try to obtain all that lies beneath the crust of Ukraine by any means necessary. This pattern of power amongst leaders seems to be contagious, and hope exists that that trend will eventually end, allowing all to live peaceful lives. Lives that enable one to stay safely in their home without fear for their lives.