Putin’s War On Humanity
Putin’s War On Humanity
By Anonymous
No Words
Empathy is a word that gets tossed around a lot. And yet, when we put it to use in times of tragedy, it does little to solve the matters at hand—except, perhaps, to stay that hand from causing further destruction.
I Can Imagine
Right now, I’m mother of one with another on the way. I could be one of those terrified Ukrainians running from bombs, one hand holding my child’s and the other clutching my belly. For a moment, I can place myself there: terror, frustration, and determination all coursing through my veins as I fear for my family’s wellbeing, wondering if my husband would be running with us or staying behind to defend our country and our democratic way of life.
Loud and Ugly
There is much at stake, and although it doesn’t always feel real to us, as we’re scrolling through the news on our phones and sipping our coffee, the reality of injury and death is a stark possibility for those simply living in any war torn region of the world. Now, Ukraine has become a war zone due to the madness of one man, Vladimir Putin. Putin’s ilk is nothing new. Sadly, such strongmen take over countries and strip citizens of self determination, someplace in the world on a nearly daily basis. Some countries fall quietly. Such is not the case with Ukraine, the fight there is loud and ugly, as Ukrainian civilians take up arms to fight back against the Russian invaders.
Yachts and Palaces
In the case of Ukraine, the nations of the world are paying attention, and the condemnation is real. The sanctions are heavy and the squeeze is on, in an effort to deter Putin’s further aggression. Western nations are confiscating yachts, mansions, and bank accounts of Russian oligarchs. Credit card companies, like Mastercard and Visa have shut down transactions to all Russians. McDonald’s for heaven’s sakes has pulled out of Russia. Western sanctions have sent the Russian economy into freefall, but Putin seems undeterred in his reckless attack on Ukraine.
Pain at the ATM
The ruble is worth pennies, as the world banking system cuts off Russia from international banking. Panicked selling has had the Russian stock market closed for nearly two weeks. All because Vladimir Putin’s delusions of a “restored” and glorious Russia. This is the madness of human emotions wielded into a military weapon. Violence, against, children and civilians, commonplace.
Taking Up Arms Against Invaders
It’s been nearly two weeks since the Russian army invaded Ukraine. As the Russians have attacked the cities without regard of the target; hitting hospitals, schools, and apartment houses. Ukrainian citizens have rushed to protect the vulnerable. Many men have taken up arms against the invaders, willingly tying yellow arm bands on their uniforms to identify them as Ukrainian, aggressively confronting the approaching army. Interviews quote young Ukrainian citizens-turned-warriors, making promises to defend themselves and their families by whatever means necessary.
Baby Strollers And Missiles
The media has been mindful to include hints of hopefulness in the midst of chaos. Pictures of baby strollers donated in Poland have made the rounds on social media, and many in the UK are offering temporary housing and shelter to refugees. Photojournalists shown hospital personnel moving patients out of harm’s way and young mothers fleeing with their children on public transportation. But the highlighted instances of goodwill are just one piece of this puzzle. Whispers of what led up to the invasion—and the rumored connections to American politics—make matters all the more unsettling.
Supporting Atrocities
What should trouble us most is not the fact that resistance to such atrocious acts are needed. That much could have been predicted, as Putin is the type of leader to put resources and power ahead of humanity. All we have to do is look at the relentless Russian bombing of civilians in Syria, the gassing of innocents, all in support of brutal dictator, Bashar al-Assad. But we should be taking notes that history continually repeats itself and yet everyone continues to act as though we have been blindsided by something strange and foreign to us.
The Reasons For Invasion
The act of declaring war is one that leaders have long used as a threat, and this time is no different. Whatever the reasons given, one can generally narrow down motivations for military efforts to these factors: economic, political, or ideological. Given that Russia’s leader has been touting his political prowess and desire for ultimate control over resources and national ideology for some time now, it could hardly have been a shock to anyone that he’s using military power to strongarm regional opponents.
Lost Ground And A Puppet Government
Recent news reports indicate that while Putin might consider ending his attack on Ukraine, under conditions favorable to him. Such an agreement comes at a decidedly calculated cost: a neutrality agreement that bars Ukraine from entering NATO and a truce that effectively strips several southeastern provinces away from Ukraine control, along with several other provinces around the Black Sea, as future protection zones.
Morality, There Is None
Furthermore, the current reliance of many nations in the European Union on Russian oil has prevented any real retaliation, including sanctions similar to what the U.S. has imposed. So while there is an agreement amongst the majority of the EU, UK and U.S. regarding the morality of what Russia is doing, such implications are almost meaningless as long as Russia appears to hold the cards worthy of negotiation.
The Answer Matters
Essentially, the very interconnectedness that has prevented war in the past is also what acts as a buffer for those who would declare it against one nation while turning a blind eye to near global disapproval. The message being sent is clearly, “Well what are you going to do about it?” And the answer matters. If donated strollers and selfless offers to house refugees are the best defense against ruthless tyranny, all because there’s a rather messy matter of fossil fuel resources and energy hanging in the balance, then perhaps the world is worse off than we imagined.
Conclusion
We are either indelibly and immutably woven together in this era of mass communication and set allies, or we are at the crux of an era where everyone settles into nationalism. Either way, world powers are setting the stage for either a missed opportunity to either secure a political precedent or a unified ethical standard. Either the world cowers before violence and insanity, accepting it as a means of control, or we send a clear message that such actions are intolerable, perhaps risking another world war. What a terrible choice, but madmen force the unthinkable.
