I am Ukrainian.

And while I have only discussed this partially with one of my good friends, @theorangepancake, I think I just need to get this off of my chest.

We are NOT neo-nazis, as many Tumblr users have seemed to make the assumption throught #Ukraine posts. We are NOT anarchists, as some people have been led to believe.

We are people. Simply, regular, old folk, with a different tradition and culture.

And while my blood is half Russian, what Russia has done (and trust me, it’s Russia) by moving out soldiers out into one of Crimea’s major cities and setting up a hostile environment, not only politically, but to the people as well, is an international move dictating war.

Originally, this was about the people and a new, democratic government that the people wanted (you hear me, you “oh look what democratic America has done, initiating wars” idiots). The people (including myself) were sick and tiered of the power-abuse that has been going on due to “elected” officials being under the central thumb of Russia. At any branch of the government, there was corruption. For typical Americans that have lived in the innocent shell of democracy and fairness, that is unimaginable and inexplicable. So, the result of the protests were for a new government, free of Russia’s ruling thumb.

Now, there are two things going down; one is very well broadcasted to the world, while the other remains to be hidden away by the gatekeepers of media.

First, Russia has invaded Ukraine. There’s a peninsula in southern Ukraine, Crimea, which is known as a popular vocation spot during the warmer seasons. Mountainous and by the sea, it’s paradise in its own way (as long as you’re willing to climb the 50000 steps, because of the steep slope hills). It once used to be Russian territory, but it is part of Ukraine. However, a Russian military base has always been present in one of the major cities within Crimea. Now, it seems that a group of masked men, who are officially unidentified, are clearly Russian military. They have made their presence known by setting up base in one of Crimea’s used airports, with full access to the control base. The Ukranian military/police, under no direct leadership/command, are at a standoff, because while the presence of the Russian military is an initiation of hostility to the new government, until further action, the military/police have no idea what to do.

The second part, is that there is complete chaos occurring in the daily life of many Ukrainians. Right now, it is civil anarchy. People live in fear, as public transportation gets stopped and robbed at gunpoint. People carry weapons in plain sight. Nobody dares to venture outside during the night. And because there is no truly functioning government yet, until the election of the next president (don’t even get me started on Yanukovich’s cries of an “unconstitutional government” in Ukraine… he fleed the country into the welcome hands of Russia, but still wants power) the people with the weapons are in control.

Oh, and contrary to the global opinion how intervention isn’t necessary, perhaps communication and showing support for the people of Ukraine would kind of be a cool gesture. Because now that the spotlight is on Ukraine, lets do something about it. Show support, reach out to your local legislature to address the issues in Ukraine, and most important of all, share with family and friends.