The War in Ukraine: A Predicted Conflict?
ALUMNOS 4º ESO D
The war in Ukraine officially began in 2021 when Russia started gathering troops at the border, but tensions between these two countries go back much further. In 1991, after the Soviet Union collapsed, several territories became independent nations. Ukraine started to build closer relations with NATO, and Russia saw this as a threat because it was losing influence over the country.
In 2014, the conflict escalated. Thousands of Ukrainians protested in the streets of Kyiv in what became known as Euromaidan. They were against President Viktor Yanukovych because he refused to strengthen ties with Europe, probably due to pressure from Moscow.
Taking advantage of the internal crisis, Putin decided to invade Crimea, a strategic region that gives Russia access to the Black Sea. Most of Crimea’s population was pro-Russian and had cultural and historical ties to Russia, so Putin organized a quick referendum. The result? Crimea declared independence and immediately joined Russia.
After this, relations between Russia and Ukraine remained tense. The European Union imposed economic sanctions on Russia and asked it to return Crimea, but Russia refused.
Then, in 2022, a full-scale war began. It caused destruction in Ukraine and changed the world. One of the main reasons for the invasion was the growing tension between Russia and the West. NATO was expanding to the east, and Ukraine had a higher chance of joining, which Russia saw as a danger. Another important reason was Ukraine’s internal division: the western part of the country is more connected to Europe, while the eastern part has cultural and linguistic ties to Russia. This difference has led to conflict over the years.
Of course, there might be more causes that ordinary people do not know about, but it is clear that this war is bringing serious problems in the short and long term. Millions of people have died, and the war has also affected the global economy. Russia and Ukraine are major
exporters of food products, and the war has caused grain prices to reach highs record.
The war has also created the worst energy crisis since the 1970s. Many countries stopped buying Russian fuel, which made energy prices rise. In Europe, gas bills almost doubled, and electricity became about 70% more expensive in the first six months of the war.
But war does not only cause economic problems—it also creates fear. People around the world worry that no country is completely safe from conflict. For those who experience war firsthand, the effects can last a lifetime, causing sleep problems, anxiety, and even post-traumatic stress disorder.
Another important topic is military technology. Even though it has only been a short time since the war started, there have already been many improvements in weapons and military
systems. New technology is more advanced than old weapons, but the number of weapons is also important in battle. Both sides continue to learn and adapt, introducing new strategies as the war goes on.
In conclusion, the war in Ukraine has shown how military technology and tactics evolve during conflicts. While modern weapons are better, having a large number of them is also necessary for success. Ukraine and Russia are improving their strategies, making this war a place for rapid military innovation.
The Impact of War on the Scientific Community: An Interview with Yurij Holovatch
The war has had a great impact on the Scientific Community. As students in our fourth year of Secondary Education, we had the opportunity to interview Yurij Holovatch, a professor and chief researcher at the Institute for Condensed Matter Physics of the National Academy of Science of Ukraine in Lviv. He is the founder of the Laboratory of Statistical Physics of Complex Systems and collaborates with numerous foreign scientists, in particular, he has a long-standing partnership with the University of Extremadura.
After preparing questions in our English class, on February 21, 2025, we participated in a video call which gave us the chance to address this outstanding physicist. This was our interview.
Sofía: What initially inspired your interest in science?
Yurij: My father, who was a biochemist, inspired me. I wanted to be like him, yet different. I am happy now because although I never studied biology professionally, I collaborate with biologists from Berlin University and have four papers related to biology.
Sofía: How does war affect your everyday life?
Yurij: My life has changed completely. At the beginning of the war, I couldn’t work on my projects because I felt my research was useless in the face of such tragedy. Why should I write formulas when people in my country are being killed? But then, gradually, I became more engaged in my work again. We want our country to be independent, to be strong and for that, we need education, students, and science.
“The war has changed my perception of the world completely. “
Marta: How do you manage to work despite the war?
Yurij: In my case, I have several advantages. First, I live in the western part of Ukraine, which, while affected, is not as devastated as some cities in the east. our city is not as destroyed as some other cities in the east of Ukraine. Second, I am beyond the age of military service. Finally, I work in theoretical physics, which requires only a pencil, paper, and a computer. My field is not expensive, which makes it easier for me to continue my work.
“ As in complex systems, the situation is unpredictable, with multiple possible outcomes. “
Paula: Have you ever been called to go to fight as a soldier?
Yurij: No, because I am 60 years old, but some of my colleagues have volunteered.
Paula: Have you ever experienced any death or explosion near you?
(This was the most difficult and personal question for him. We found his answer very emotional and moving)
Yurij: When the war started, three years ago, we had explosions in my city, we saw smoke in the sky and buildings in ruin. Then, a student of mine was called to the army. He was very talented and worked in a hospital near wounded soldiers. He helped them psychologically. He was a strong believer and a devout Christian. And then the Russian missile struck and destroyed the whole hospital, including him. That’s a very touching story to me. Though he did not die near me geographically, he was very close to me emotionally and socially.
Martina: What are the differences between your job now and before?
“In essence, my research remains unchanged.”
Yurij: In many ways, my job remains the same. My team and I work in statistical physics, which studies how particles interact to form new properties. For instance, water molecules behave differently when heated, leading to a phase transition to steam.
Our field also extends to complex systems science, which explores how interactions create larger phenomena. For example, in the brain, neurons interact to produce consciousness, or in society, individuals interact to form collective opinions—like during elections. Even language functions similarly: verbs and words interact to create narratives. We apply physics and mathematics to these complex social and humanitarian systems. So, in essence, my research remains unchanged.
Martina: Have you ever thought of leaving Ukraine?
Yurij: I have always wanted to stay at home. To be located at home. And also, now during the war, I don’t see any reason why I should escape. My house, now I am at home, in my flat. So hopefully our city will not be destroyed. My house is standing.
I love to travel. During the Soviet Union, Ukraine was closed off, and we could not move freely. But after independence, we gained the freedom to collaborate internationally. I am grateful for my partnerships, especially with Spain. My latest paper, co-authored with Juan Ruiz Lorenzo, was published just a few days ago. I also collaborate with researchers from England, France, Germany, and other countries.
Mario: How can the international scientific community support Ukrainian researchers?
Yurij: We feel this support strongly. In my field, statistical physics, our organization, the Middle European Cooperation in Statistical Physics, immediately responded when the war started on February 24. They issued a letter of solidarity and urged scientists worldwide to support us. I also received letters from unknown people and very often these letters were useful, because, well, as I say, I am staying here, but we were giving these addresses to people who need really to escape from the country because their buildings were damaged. And, you know, it was real help.
“From your faces (students’ faces), I somehow have the feeling that we are together.”
The fact that people are supporting us, helps very much, you know, mentally. We are encouraged, we have this feeling that we are not alone. Even now, I am here sitting in front of the computer, and from your faces, I somehow have the feeling that we are together. It is great that you are interested in Ukraine, it is great that we are together.
There are also many projects, scientific projects, and special programs which are supporting scientists who are in danger.
A powerful conclusion
At the end of the interview, we expressed our relief that Yurij was safe and able to continue his research. We also shared our concerns about the ongoing conflict and asked for his perspective on the future. He used a physics analogy and said that, as in complex systems, the situation is unpredictable, with multiple possible outcomes.
He emphasized that the Ukrainian people want a just and lasting peace. We joined him in that hope.
Yurij had a surprise for us at the end of our chat. He had picked up a book from his library and showed it to us… It was Don Quijote de la Mancha.
WHAT THE STUDENTS SAID
“ His passion for his country and his work is admirable. His story was truly moving.” (Sara Álvarez))
“This interview was fantastic and very emotional because we had the opportunity to see another side of the war different from the one we see on the news. (Marta Cáceres)
“I hope the war ends soon and everyone, like Yurij, can live in peace.” (Ángela Carmona)
“During the interview, I asked myself how a scientist can keep working while there are bombs falling near you, and I listened to Yurij very carefully because I could not understand how that could be possible. (Mario Cortés)
“His strength and determination left a big impression on me.” (Álvaro Díaz)