“It’s incredibly troubling to see:” Leaders react to Russia invading Ukraine

DELMARVA- With Russia attacking several areas of Ukraine Thursday morning, some are wondering, could this be the start of World War III?

“It’s incredibly troubling to see and I’m concerned for Europe,” Salisbury Mayor Jake Day said.

“It went from declaring independent regions of Russian occupied areas to the apparent intentions of President Putin to demilitarize Ukraine,” Dr. Sam Hoff,  George Washington Distinguished Professor Emeritus of History and Political Science, said.

Deadly Explosions were reported in cities throughout Ukraine as civilians attempted to flee.

“All of those things are a full scale modern war between two advanced nations,” Mayor Day said.

Dr. Hoff said there’s a couple of reasons he thinks Russia moved in on Ukraine.

“Ukraine has a free government today and that’s certainly one reason for Russia’s paranoia, another one is that Russia’s upset that NATO itself has expanded around Russia’s perimeter,” Dr. Hoff said.

Following the invasion, many are wondering if other countries will step in and help Ukraine. Combat veteran and Salisbury Mayor Day said that includes the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, more commonly known as NATO.

“No doubt, Russia will experience some losses, Ukraine though I’m guessing if they are not supported adequately by allies and neighbors Ukraine will fall to Rssian power,” Mayor Day said.

“Russia is not more militarily powerful than the aggregate of NATO countries,” Dr. Hoff said.

Dr. Hoff said that while President Biden said the U.S. would not fight the Russians directly in Ukraine there are some actions the U.S. is already taking, including sanctions and preparing for potential cyber attacks.

“What’s next is the question?” Mayor Day said.

“For the people of the United States, it’s not something that we can just bury our heads and say it doesn’t involve us,” Dr. Hoff said.