Russia-Ukraine war live updates: Blasts rock Lviv in the west as Mariupol fights 'to the end'
NBCJUL 2022
This is the war's decisive moment. Putin's dreams of a swift invasion of Ukraine have already been dashed, but the West, primarily the United States, now needs to do everything in its power to further support Ukraine against Russian aggression. If Ukraine loses this conflict, the chances of war between NATO and Russia increase, along with the prospect of Russian intervention in other areas.
The Russian Special Operation was prompted by Western nations ignoring Russia's security concerns by creating and supporting far-right Ukrainian militias. In response, Russia is seeking to demilitarize the country and protect its ethnic Russians, all while ridding Ukraine of its neo-Nazi elements. Russia is succeeding with this effort and will continue until Ukraine's neutral status is guaranteed.