Tensions High in Ukraine After At Least 21 Die in Fiery Crashes

All around the world, there are governmental crises and revolution-related distress in many citizens and officials alike. This article highlights the political peril that Ukraine is facing right now. Last Wednesday, protesters gathered in the main square of Kiev to show their dominance and contempt; as a result, there were twenty-one reported casualties and over one-hundred injuries. Other countries, including the United States and Britain, are speaking out against the violence and asking both sides of the altercation to de-escalate the situation to avoid more destruction to Europe and it's reputation.

This event relates to my everyday life and my schoolwork in two ways: the Holocaust unit that my English class is soon to study, and a novel that I happen to be reading (which deals with political revolution, public protests, etc.). The tragedy in Ukraine relates to the Holocaust in a way that the country is experiencing many fatal problems and other countries are speaking out against the brutality caused by government officials. Although this comparison is very broad, I can still identify the events that relate to my day-to-day high school assignments.

I am concerned for the people of Ukraine, and I'm glad that this country's president is striving to fix this broken country. This protest has the potential to affect me, since the United States is stepping in and advising that both parties stop this dispute immediately. Although I wish that America would stay out of global problems, at least just once, I'm glad that my country is not going to step in and pick sides.

What is the impact of using quotations? Quotations affects the views and outcome of this situation, since critics and government officials will obsess over each and every word that leaves a leader's mouth. For example, vice president Joe Biden states, "... the United States condemns violence by any side, but that the government bears special responsibility to de-escalate the situation" (Butenko) which proves that America is getting involved.

Another reason why the article relies so much on quotations is because they can either help or hurt a country's future. Ukraine President Viktor Yanukovych explains that he wants the violence to end at any means, and opposition leader Vitali Klitschko states, "I think the authorities should immediately pull back and stop the blood, because people are dying" (Butenko). This quote defines the worry that is spread between both sides, and hopefully that doubt and confusion will result in an equal agreement.

Butenko, Victoria. "Tensions High in Ukraine After At Least 21 Die in Fiery Crashes". CNN. Cable News Network, 18 Feb. 2014. Web. 18 Feb. 2014.
<http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/18/world/europe/ukraine-protests/index.html?hpt=hp_t1>.

Hawk, Thomas. "Police, Oakland Riots-6". Photograph. Flickr. Yahoo, 8 Jan. 2009. Web. 18 Feb. 2014.
<http://www.flickr.com/photos/51035555243@N01/3178486033>.