The news story that has enveloped the world the last few days is Russia’s appalling invasion of Ukraine.

Warnings of an impending invasion had been given, but it really happened, to the shock and horror of the entire world.

However, so far it hasn’t been the easy takeover Russian President Vladimir Putin might have expected. Under the admirable leadership of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who has refused to leave his country, Russia has experienced stiff resistance from Ukraine — probably a lot stiffer than anticipated.

Putin also might not have anticipated the global response to the invasion, with countries overwhelmingly siding with Ukraine. CNN reported that Norway was to provide $226 million in humanitarian assistance and military equipment to Ukraine, and even the historically neutral country of Switzerland indicated it would freeze Russian assets, The New York Times said.

ESPN reported that the International Olympic Committee has urged sports bodies to exclude Russia’s athletes and officials from international events.

Symbolically, photos of landmarks lit up in Ukraine’s national colors, blue and yellow, have been making the rounds on the Internet. Even the most recent “Saturday Night Live” began not with a comedy sketch, but a performance by the Ukrainian Chorus Dumka of New York. Cast members Kate McKinnon and Cecily Strong then announced, “Live from New York, it’s Saturday Night” — solemnly, not the raucous way it’s usually yelled.

It’s a time to be somber and stay behind Ukraine, which, we hope, is not the first on a list of planned conquests by Putin.

Superiorland is many miles away from Ukraine, but it stands behind the country. We, and probably many others, hope the crisis passes quickly, with Putin removed from office. We also hope that any successor to Putin thinks twice about planning another ill-advised — and wrong — invasion.

There also are plenty of tangible ways to help Ukraine. We urge people to look up reputable charities to help get aid into the hands of the Ukrainian people.

Let’s keep Ukraine in our thoughts during the upcoming days.