We might have the largest military action since World War II. The United Sates, Russia, and NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization which protects Europe and the North Atlantic against the perceived threat of Soviet aggression) have been trying to prevent this from happening.

Russia’s President is unpredictable, and he has been gathering thousands of troops on the border of Ukraine, which is the neighboring country. United States negotiators have been trying to stop the Russian attack on Ukraine, but the situation has gotten worse.

President Biden was considering sending thousand of troops and warships to NATO allies in Eastern Europe, buthe ended up not doing this to avoid provoking Russia. Vladimir V. Putin, the President of Russia, still has not backed down while the U.S. administration has been formulating a new plan, which is waiting until Mr. Putin makes a decision about invading.

Russia has made a list of demands, such as that NATO agree to stop further eastward expansion and not admit Ukraine as a member. Their demands were said to be unacceptable and have been immediately denied, while Russian officials insist Moscow does not plan to invade Ukraine, and the troops are there as an exercise.

Disagreement between the United States and its allies, and Russia can lead to what Mr. Putin says is a “complete rupture.” Ukraine and Russia have been having problems since 2014, but over time Mr. Putin has grown more of a liking to the idea of Ukraine becoming a part of Russia.

Mr. Putin wants to really assert Moscow’s (capital and largest city of Russia) power over Ukraine, since it was previously a part of the Soviet Bloc. The Soviet Bloc was the group of socialist countries in some parts of Europe, and Asia, which were under the control and influence of the Soviet Union. It’s ideology was imposed upon them during the Cold War and was in opposition to the Western Bloc. Mr. Putin aims to restore the Soviet Bloc and views Ukraine as part of Russia.

The United States is currently considering many options, including sending troops, but it’s a concern it could worsen the situation. Europe is also debating what to do, but they have trade ties with Russia, so they have more at stake then the U.S.