Ukraine vs. Russia. Dubbed by some as the next “World War,” the tensions between the two countries have been escalating over the past few months and it seems that all of the media has jumped on covering this growing story. 

For those unfamiliar with the current situation, the two countries are making preparations to fight in a war against each other. According to William Jay Risch of Open Democracy, the Russo-Ukrainian War began in 2014 following the Russian annexation of Crimea from Ukraine. After the Soviet Union’s dissolution in 1991, the concerns of a fight over that land became inevitable.

Unsurprisingly, social media outlets have been gravitating towards this headline more than ever as it is controversial and current. For a select few at PHS, they have been finding out more about these events from the app TikTok, which gives them a chance to form their own thoughts on the matter.

“I first became aware of the situation in Ukraine and Russia through TikTok, which is where I get most of my news,” senior Ben Hawley said. “While the situation could take a turn for the worse at the moment, I don’t think teens in Wyoming should be too concerned about what is going on.”

Despite the reassurances that there shouldn’t be any direct impact on the United States citizens, a couple students are still skeptical of the outcome. 

“As for a war happening, it’s possible,” Hawley said. “But I think it’s unlikely and will most likely just end up in a standoff where nothing happens and no side makes a move.”

Others within the school share the same sentiment pertaining to the over analysis of these events. 

“I think that Russia won’t even attack Ukraine,” sophomore Tevon Schultz said. “I think that the U.S. is not used to this type of attack while the Ukrainian government has been dealing with this issue for a while.”

However, perhaps one of the more important takeaways should be on the importance of allowing high schoolers an environment where they can be exposed to current events. 

“I know Ukraine gained independence after the Soviet dissolved but I am unaware of anything else,” junior Madi Black said. “I don’t know if the [Ukraine and Russia situation] will directly affect us, but I feel it’s important to be informed.”