Opinion Today: Ukrainians are fleeing. These graphics show why we have to act now to help them.

This crisis is unprecedented — the response must be too.

View in browser|nytimes.com Continue reading the main story March 16, 2022 By Sara Chodosh Graphics Editor, Opinion One of the most striking outcomes of the Russian invasion of Ukraine is the rapidity with which Ukrainians are fleeing. "Unprecedented," a UNICEF spokesperson called it. But as my fellow graphics editors Zach Levitt and Gus Wezerek and I looked into how unparalleled the situation was, source after source stressed to us another looming problem: what happens after a mass exodus. The New York Times History, as we wrote in our piece this week, shows that refugee crises almost invariably stretch out for much longer than most people realize. Syrian refugees might rarely make headlines these days, but there are still more than six million of them worldwide. A similar number of Afghan refugees existed in the 1990s, and today there are still upward of two million separated from their home country. The New York Times It's far too easy to view refugees, especially those fleeing acts of war, as temporary. Maybe we can be forgiven for that — so often we hear about asylum seekers only at the beginning of a crisis, and rarely in the years that follow. But our research for this piece showed that it's crucial to think now about how long these people might have to live far from their original homes. So while every news outlet has its spotlight pointed at Ukraine, we should try to establish a new precedent amid this catastrophe. Our piece details some of the ways in which the international community should act now to ensure that millions of Ukrainians can find safe refuge in the months and years to come. Sympathy fades quickly — much faster than we'd like to believe. Let's not let it disappear before putting it to good use. Read the full essay here. How to Think About the Ukrainian Refugee Crisis, in Maps and Charts History shows that sympathy for refugees can be fleeting. By Sara Chodosh, Zach Levitt and Gus Wezerek Continue reading the main story ADVERTISEMENT Here's what we're focusing on today: Editors' Picks Guest Essay Russians Must Accept the Truth. We Failed. Now we must bear that failure. By Ilia Krasilshchik On the News Paul Krugman Can Germany Break Up With Russian Gas? When a small import threatens to become a big problem. By Paul Krugman Bret Stephens This Is How World War III Begins Why Putin is likelier to double down than he is to cut his losses.  By Bret Stephens Thomas L. Friedman In the War Over Ukraine, Expect the Unexpected Wars bring out the best and the worst of humanity. Surprises are the only constant. By Thomas L. Friedman Ross Douthat Will the Ukraine War End the Age of Populism? Populism's poor fit for this particular moment has given an opportunity to its enemies and critics. By Ross Douthat Ideas Guest Essay Ron DeSantis Is Gambling on Out-Trumping Trump  "We're opposing wokeness. We're opposing all these things." By Thomas B. Edsall Jessica Grose Many Schools Aren't Made for Kids With Learning Differences. The Pandemic Amplified That. We're still finding out how much learning loss children experienced. By Jessica Grose John McWhorter Making the SAT and ACT Optional Is the Soft Bigotry of Low Expectations Intended or not, it sends a message that some students of color are less capable. By John McWhorter Continue reading the main story ADVERTISEMENT Opinion Audio Putin Is 'High Off His Own Propaganda Supply' Peter Pomerantsev discusses the Kremlin's war on information. By 'The Argument' What You're Saying letters The Road Ahead for the Democrats: Here Are Some Directions As the Democrats seek a sharper message, readers have some ideas. Also: The world must act in Ukraine; encourage parents. Subscribe Today New York Times Opinion curates a wide range of views, inviting rich discussion and debate that helps readers analyze the world. This work is made possible with the support of subscribers. Please consider subscribing to The Times with this special offer. Continue reading the main story ADVERTISEMENT Games Here is today's Mini Crossword and Spelling Bee. If you're in the mood to play more, find all our games here. Forward this newsletter to friends to share ideas and perspectives that will help inform their lives. They can sign up here. Do you have feedback? Email us at opiniontoday@nytimes.com. Contact us If you have questions about your Times account, delivery problems or other issues, visit our Help Page or contact The Times. Continue reading the main story Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance. You received this email because you signed up for the Opinion Today newsletter from The New York Times. To stop receiving these emails, unsubscribe or manage your email preferences. Subscribe to The TimesGet The New York Times app Connect with us on: Change Your EmailPrivacy PolicyContact UsCalifornia Notices The New York Times Company. 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018