02/26/22
Lynn Murphy Mark
My heart is breaking for the people of Ukraine. Putin has unleashed his hounds of hell on a country that does not belong to him, and does not wish to return to Russian rule. Kids are being conscripted to fight against Russian forces. Men up to age 60 are being signed up as well. Every citizen is at risk for death from bombardment and gunfire. All so Putin can satisfy some personal fairy tale about his place in Russian history.
Last night a Russian missile hit an apartment building in Kyiv. Who knows how many innocents died as a result. What is guaranteed is that the death toll coming from Putin’s actions will be horrifying.
News media reports that the Ukrainian people will not give in easily. That means that they will be in the streets and in the countryside fighting their best fight. Who knows how many will die in their battle for freedom.
Many nations are condemning Putin for his actions. In his demented state of mind, feedback from these nations means nothing. In fact, he intimated that he is not beyond using nuclear weapons against countries who interfere with his plans. As far as I can tell, his plan is to install a puppet government in Ukraine – one that answers directly to him. Then he can say that Ukraine is back under the umbrella of Mother Russia.
I think he is underestimating the resolve of the Ukrainian people to retain their status as a democratic state. I think he is underplaying the sanctions that the Western world is willing to impose on him and his oligarchs. NATO is sending troops to the borders of NATO countries that touch Ukraine. American troops are on their way over to Europe to stand guard with fellow soldiers from many countries.
All of my news/social outlets have images of prayers being said on Ukraine’s behalf. The brilliant blue and yellow of the Ukrainian flag is featured as people express their support. The United Nations seems to be living up to its name as the Security Council put forward a condemnation of Russia’s actions. Not a surprise that Russia vetoed the resolution, but not before many countries gave their support to Ukraine.
The Russian people are gathering in amazing numbers to protest the invasion. They do not have the heart to do what Putin is trying to accomplish. And if he cared at all about his own people he would be concerned about how the international sanctions will affect Russian citizens. The sanctions are designed to cripple the Russian economy. Putin and his thugs will not feel the pain like an ordinary citizen will. And apparently that is ok with Putin.