THEHORRORSINUKRAINE

By Ezra Pavoncelli '25

Since the beginning of the Russo-Ukrainian War in 2014, and the more recent invasion of Ukraine in February of 2022, President Vladimir Putin has been the decision maker of Russia’s political and military operations, which he not only orchestrates but also proudly boasts across Russian media It's not difficult to criticise the actions of the new-era Russian dictator and his unrelenting, unethical, and criminal actions. However, one fact is often forgotten when in times of war; the death as a result of Putin's actions Citizens have fallen victims to irrational politicians' greed. In the story of this drawn-out war of attrition, the high-ranking Russian political figures adorn themselves with suits and ties and talk, while conscripted Russian soldiers are forced to buy their own body armour and medical supplies. One Russian soldier preparing to enter Ukraine anonymously relayed to the Moscow Times, “If they issue you a field uniform, you’re in luck ”

Time and time again, propaganda has been used by unjust regimes to portray their actions as honourable and necessary. The situation within Russia is no different.

Opposition to the war is condemned; silenced in favour of pro-Putin sentiments. The Kremlin's censorship of media, particularly in regard to the invasion of Ukraine and the Russo-Ukrainian war, is a well reported fact. When Putin appears in Russian media framing the invasion as a defense of Russia, a retaliation against the falsely proported genocide being committed in Ukraine, and a “special military operation," it’s not unreasonable to suggest that this could sway public opinion

Regardless, not all the blame can be taken off of Russian soldiers in Ukraine for some of the unspeakable actions committed including the following war crimes; intentional targeting of civilians, massacres of civilians, rape and torture of women and children and indiscriminate attacks committed in densely populated areas.

It has been reported that sexual violence committed by Russian soldiers is not only tolerated by their government, but is also used as a weapon of war against civilians. To make matters worse, Russian politicians and military officials simply dismiss the survivors' accounts of the crimes

It is one of the countless examples that illustrate how many of these people have been forced to fight for the beliefs of a ruthless dictator; beliefs that more often than not are not their own. The Kremlin has no regard for their lives, their families, or the sovereignty of Ukraine

It's crucial to remember that Russian soldiers are not a monolith; among them are monsters and men The war crimes committed can never and should never be excused, but the suffering of the innocent should be considered regardless of the side of the border they are from.

A recently released video emphasises the point that some Russian soldiers want to escape from the horrors in Ukraine and the oppressive regime that sent them there. In the drone footage, a Russian soldier surrenders and pleads to get away from the conflict He expresses his fear of retaliation against him by his military unit if he attempts to abandon. The drone operator drops a note to the man instructing him where he needs to go The man is then seen fleeing from the conflict while avoiding explosives till reaching the designated area in which he gets on his knees and removes his equipment.

Forced conscription violated Russian citizens in that it ripped them from the arms of their families and plunged them into some of mankind's most treacherous atrocities all for a so-called stand against “NATO aggression ” The invasion of Ukraine violated Ukrainian citizens in that it ripped them from not only their families but their homes. Forced them to seek shelter and flee the country in hopes of being taken in by the surrounding countries, including Russia

It is of the utmost importance that we remember the humanity of people and the inhumanity of war, the immorality and greed of politicians and the situations of those who are forced to fight for it It affirms that wars must be avoided because there is never a winner. One country may coerce a surrender, but the lives lost will never amount to a victory, only a void within the hearts of those who lost their loved ones