Most DM students are sympathetic with the struggle of the Ukrainians in their ongoing conflict with Russia, but most do not believe it will escalate into a global conflict, according to a recent Wolf’s Print poll.

“I have heard a few students talk about it possibly turning into a world war,” said sophomore Kaia LaHann, “but I do not believe that it could turn into a world war.”

Nearly 60 percent of the recorded students at Desert Mountain High School support the United States placing economic sanctions against Russia. Only about seven percent of the students oppose sanctions.

The United States took its toughest stance yet on the war, identifying its goal to “not just to thwart the Russian invasion but also to weaken Russia so it could no longer carry out such military aggression anywhere,” according to a New York Times report.

ABC News reported that the Ukrainian troops have offered “stiff resistance” since the Russians launched their invasion Feb. 24, according to U.S. officials.

“You have come to destroy our cities, destroy our people….There are no weapons you wouldn’t use against us, the free people of Ukraine,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told Congress.

Grey Copeland, a senior at Desert Mountain is one of the many that supported placing economic sanctions against Russia, and he also said he supports the United States offering military aid, including troops, to help Ukraine.

About half of the recorded students agreed, saying it was a good thing the United States was offering military aid and troops to help. About a quarter of those polled disagreed, believing the United States shouldn’t be offering our troops and military aid towards Ukraine.

All of the students who were interviewed said they had at least some knowledge of what was happening across the sea in Russia and Ukraine, and said they had been following the news and learning new information about this sudden war.

Russian troops invaded because President Putin said that Russia could not feel “safe, develop and exist” because he claimed there was a constant threat from Ukraine.

The extent to which this conflict will escalate is still yet to be determined.

Mr. Knox, a DM history teachers, said students “have wondered the possibility of the current conflict extending beyond the boarders of Ukraine and possible direct NATO involvement.”