While officials slog on in the mud of negotiation, Russian and Ukrainian soldiers slog on in the mud of war. 

As of the writing of this article, the Russian invasion of Ukraine has edged onto the two week mark since Russian president Vladimir Putin announced the beginning of the “special military operation” on February 24. 

Despite initial Russian and Western expectations of Ukraine folding quickly underneath the weight of the Russian Armed Forces, the course of the war over the past two weeks indicates otherwise. A ferocious Ukrainian defense, led by president Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has denied Russia both a rapid offensive through the country and control of major urban population centers. 

Though holding fast, on February 28, Ukrainian authorities began negotiations with a Russian delegation over ending the war and safeguarding civilians caught in the fighting. 

In the face of increasing delays and setbacks, the Russian military allegedly shifted attacks to include more non-military targets, such as civilian evacuation routes leading away from the frontlines. 

Already, the UN reports that more than 2 million refugees have fled the country of 40 million.