On February 24, 2022, the leader of Russia, Putin, declared a "special military operation" in Ukraine. People in Ukraine were woken up by the sounds of screaming and explosions, terrifying the whole nation and countries across the world. As global citizens who live 21 century, it is extremely difficult for us to believe that this kind of brutal genocide could actually happen, especially in Europe. My heart goes with the people in Ukraine since the first day hearing the news. Hence, I decided to share some of my reflections on this event in this journal.

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     The invasion of Ukraine can be highly related to that of Taiwan and China's status. Firstly, the relationship between Russia and Ukraine and China and Taiwan is similar in historical position. Both were once a whole and then divided into two and ruled by different governments. Secondly, the weaker sides are governed under democracy whereas the stronger sides are under totalitarianism. Thirdly, the most powerful nation, the United States promised to aid if necessary. In exchange for that promise, both Ukrian and Taiwan gave up the opportunity to possess nuclear power weapons, which can be very effective to deter and prevent invasions. Yet, as people around the world can see, countries around the globe including America put only sanctions but no actual military actions on the invaders as the invasion happens. We have already given up the ability to protect ourselves because of a promise that can never be fulfilled. Weaker nations are always played as chess by the powerful ones.

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     As politicians play their games and care nothing but their own goods, civilians in both Russia and Ukraine are paying the price and suffering dreadfully. On the one hand, Russian troops mainly consist of young people who do not even know they are going to war as invaders. On the other hand, Ukrainian troops are multiply in men across all ages from old to young, who must risk their lives to defend their homeland. There is no winner in a war. Not even children could escape from the bloodshed.

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     No one wants war, but if it comes, then we must fight to protect ourselves. The event of the Russian invasion of Ukraine can be seen as a foreshadowing to remind us Taiwanese that we must all prepare for what could possibly come, instead of relying on foreign nations' futile promises. I hate to be involved in politicians' games. However, as citizens, we often have no choice but to bear the consequences. I hope we can all vote carefully. We need politicians who cherish peace but not those who push Taiwan further from it.

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     Toward the end, I think those who decided to escape are not to be blamed, since one should always put family and oneself above nation as nations and states come and go. After all, only to be alive will there be hope. I genuinely hope that the heartbreaking war could stop as soon as possible as no more suffering is needed.