WASHINGTON, D.C. — When you look at a map of the world, you see lines and borders.
Some are created by water, others by man, and, often, by war.
If this week has taught anyone anything, it's that just because a country's borders are drawn a certain way, it doesn't mean they will stay that way.
WEST CONDEMNS RUSSIA
"This aggression cannot go unanswered," President Joe Biden said this week from the White House.
While the President and other world leaders are hoping severe sanctions force Russia to restore the borders in Europe to where they were at the start of the week, the reality is Russia has been interested in re-drawing Ukraine for years.
After all, Ukraine used to be part of the Soviet Union.
In 2014, Russia took Crimea, a part of Ukraine.
This week began with Russia sending troops to the Donbas region.
Now, the Russian military is spread throughout the country. Many military experts agree that Ukraine could fall completely since they are not equipped to fight Russia on their own.
THE WORLD IS WATCHING
A looming question is whether the invasion inspires other world leaders to do the same thing.
It’s something being watched closely in Washington.
For example, China has long wanted to claim Taiwan, an island of 23 million people, as their own.
North Korea has long had an interest in neighboring South Korea.
Iran has also expressed interest in land around the Middle East.
President Biden's statements about war could also lead to more tensions.
He has been very clear he doesn’t want American service members fighting in Ukraine. Last year, he made clear he didn’t want Americans fighting the Taliban in Afghanistan.
BIDEN'S APPROACH
President Biden does believe that severe economic penalties, like the ones he has imposed on Russia, are enough to end conflicts and prevent future ones.
"America stands up to bullies,” Biden said Thursday.
He also isn't completely opposed to military action, deploying thousands of American troops to eastern Europe who are prepared to fight should the war extend beyond Ukraine's borders.
