As the Russian invasion into Ukraine has recently been brought to light, the conflict between the two countries has reached a tipping point.

Since 2014, Ukraine has faced threats of invasion and even saw an annexation of Crimea. This annexation marked the start of a long series of back and forth interactions that came to include nations from all four corners of the world. 

Russia officially invaded Ukraine on Wednesday, Feb. 23 at roughly 10 p.m. ET (5 a.m. in Ukraine). Russia’s president Vladimir Putin spoke on television urging Ukraine to back down. So far, there have been reported explosions in major cities including Kyiv, Kharkiv and Odessa. President Biden met with the National Security Council, hours after the Russian attacks and  stated he plans to meet with G7 members today. The U.S already lined up punitive sanctions against Russia, with the UK and European Union following suit. 

“[We will] weaken Russia’s economic base and its capacity to modernize,” The EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said. “We will freeze Russian assets in the European Union and stop the access of Russian banks to European financial markets.”

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz additionally suspended Russia from the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, while NATO works to refine and enact their sanctions as soon as possible.

As for Russia’s next steps, Putin’s statements and speeches can provide insight to their plans. There are a few possible attacks Russia could conduct, one being cyber attacks on neighboring or interfering countries. Potentially jeopardizing gas lines, economic stability and national security. Additionally, Russia’s strong nuclear defense could prove worrisome to nearby countries and global powers.

Now, NATO is expanding into a spherical influence. 

“30-nation security alliance will continue to beef up its defenses on its eastern flank near Ukraine and Russia,” NATO Security General Jens Stolenburg stated. On Friday, NATO will hold an online summit, including President Biden. NATO will prepare to activate emergency planning allowing commanders to move faster and more efficiently. 

Countries globally now brace for the worst with tensions in the east having reached a boiling point. As the invasion continues to develop and more sanctions are violated, the world awaits NATO’s and its allies’ reactions.

Contributing: Lilly McCullah, Cameron Smith