Keeping up to date on a war that has been going on for over 200 days is more of a difficult task than one might initially think. Recently, there has been less of a focus on the war, due to pressing issues nationally, like the overturning of Roe v. Wade and upcoming elections. This does not mean that there is any less death in Europe as a result of Russia. The recent discovery of a mass grave in Izyum after Russian forces occupied the city shows just how harmful and inhumane this war truly is.

Recent advances by Ukraine on Sept. 10 have led to the recapture of Izyum and Kupiansk, along with roughly 6,000 kilometers of land surrounding the two cities. These advancements are the first big shifts in position for both Russia and Ukraine in a while after being in a deadlock. They also revealed multiple mass graves in Izyum left behind by Russian military forces, with some bodies showing signs of torture. Russia claims they are regrouping its forces to hit back even harder, but it is unclear at this time what that statement entails.

Without foreign aid, this war would have never lasted as long as it has. With only 200,000 active members in their armed forces, Ukraine needs all of the guns and money they can get their hands on. With the United States alone providing over 13 billion dollars worth of weapons and technology, it seems that the world is answering Ukraine’s call for help.

But is this enough?

If Russia is successful in what they intend to accomplish with this war, should the world feel like it could have done more? There is more that can be done to protect Eastern Europe from the deadly grasp of Russia. While sending troops to Ukraine is an extreme measure, it may become the only way to put an end to this war, as troops on both sides of the conflict must be getting tired and weary from what is looking like a war that will surpass the 365-day mark — and winter is coming.

With more developments in the Russia-Ukraine War coming every day, the question still stands: How much longer? This question seemingly has no answer right now, but given recent advances by Ukraine it does seem to be reaching a point where one side will clearly be on top, and it is looking like Ukraine will be the victor. When the dust eventually settles, regardless of who wins, there is still one clear loser: the innocent citizens of Ukraine, as over 13,000 civilian casualties have already occurred on Ukrainian soil due to Russian forces.

 The disregard for Ukrainian citizens by Russian forces needs to be addressed when this war is over and should result in punishment or restrictions on Russia’s military. Labeling Russia’s actions in Izyum a war crime as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has is no exaggeration, and governments need to do more to support Ukraine as they hold off a blood-thirsty army. Putting an end to this devastating war as soon as possible should be a global priority right now, because without the world’s assistance Ukraine will continue to suffer.