I picked out this topic due to me being interested in the modern world. I like to know what is happing in other countries and the things that are going on there. I am interested in this particular situation because we had quite a few discussions about it in another class. I wanted to learn even more about it so that's why I chose it as my main topic for this paper. The research that I have done on the situation in Ukraine has led to me understanding more about the things that are happing currently in the country. The information we discussed in class was old by the time I went back to take another look. It was very enlightening for me to see the changes that have occurred. The only experience that I have on this topic is the discussions I had in class. I am a student who has taken an interest in the topic and wishes to learn more about. After I have gathered information I want to express my views toward it. By researching different sources and other means of information I will be able to accomplish this goal.

In the U.S. department of state document, it states the U.S. view on Russia and its insurrection into Crimea and Ukraine. It Gives information of what Russia did and how the US is going to respond to it. The announcement gives clear lists and is very organized in its attempt to make the information readable to the general reader. It states US foreign policy toward Russia and the surrounding countries such as China and the rest of Europe. 

"The challenge for the United States, and thus the challenge for this analysis, is to find a path to protect our allies and friends and to modify Russian behavior and attitudes without appearing to condone Russia's assault on strategic stability in Ukraine, which continues as of this writing. We must do all this from a position of unquestioned, sustained resolve, an elusive objective in democratic societies, including our own." (US Department of State)  

It goes into the economic effects the invasion has had on the US and other countries along with what the US is trying to do to bring a peaceful solution to the situation. It also goes into detail about the response of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and how they should be handling the situation. It declares that NATO and the US will be working closely to preserve peace.

"The United States, along with its NATO Allies, has already begun to deal with these concerns by increasing rotational deployments of ground troops to Central European Allies, by pre-positioning of equipment, by increasing Black Sea naval presence, by supporting a new NATO rapid reaction force, by increased air operations and by the announcement of a U.S. planned one billion dollar fund (which is subject to appropriation) to bolster European security and reassure newer U.S. allies." ( US Department of State)

 It calls for NATO to support the European nations and help them stand up to Russia's influence so they do not fall to it. It says to stabilize Europe and after that is accomplished they should try to come to a lessening of tensions with Russia so they can resolve this without conflict. This publication was by the State department of the United States. It is a government website and so it has the most credibility when talking about the US government and its foreign policies

The article by "The Guardian" is about how the hostilities by Russia toward Ukraine could lead to another cold war between the US and Russia.

"This is perhaps the most dangerous point in Europe's history since the end of the cold war. Direct confrontation between Russian and Ukrainian forces will draw in the United States, one way or another. While there is still time, it's extremely important to understand what each party involved is aiming for." (Trenin)

 The article goes into a brief backstory on what caused the conflict and how the situation is currently developing. It expanse the actions of Russia and what the other countries around the world did to respond to it. It mainly focuses on some specific events that have happened in Ukraine due to the presence of Russia. It gives a little insight into to the thinking of Russia and their foreign policy towards other countries, specifically the US. This article was written by "The Guardian" which is just a general new site online. They are not exactly just fact based but the information should be correct. 

This article gives a short speech by Putin, the leader of Russia. He says that Russia is ready for anything as they are one of the most advanced countries with nuclear capabilities. '"I want to remind you that Russia is one of the most powerful nuclear nations," the President said. "This is a reality, not just words.'"(Botelho, Smith-Spark) The article goes on to discuss the current situation in Ukraine and what would happen if Russia succeeded in gaining control of the region. It also explains what would happen to Russia if they failed to take control. The article also explains some of the military operations that have been going on in the area. This article comes from CNN which is a well-recognized news provider. It has accurate information for the kind of research it does. 

What I have found from my research is that there are a few different ways that this could end. It could either end with Russia absorbing most of the smaller countries around it. And creating another sort of cold war between the east and west. Or Russia backs down and things return to semi normal. The third thing that could happen is Russia pushes too far causing another world war. I think it will end up that Russia will either control the smaller countries through some sort of puppet leader or it will back off altogether. If there is a reason to rewrite my question. It might be a broad question and I will have to narrow it down a little.

