I believe it would be helpful if we were to stop referring to, and thinking of, the current invasion of Ukraine as “Russia’s” war on Ukraine. It is Putin’s war on Ukraine.
Despite the massive disinformation campaign of Moscow’s state controlled media, millions of Russians are not in favor, and hundreds of thousands of highly intelligent Russians are fleeing their country in disgust and fear of his increasingly authoritarian regime.
Let’s lay the blame where it squarely belongs. If we think of it not as Russia’s but as Putin’s, we both more clearly see the truth of the situation and can also better see a path forward to its resolution. Why do I believe this?
First, because without Putin I seriously doubt there would have been an invasion to begin with. And second, if/when he is replaced, I am reasonably sure the invasion will be stopped, and the collective nations of the world will begin to create some form of Biden’s recently announced “New World Order,” which of course will have to not only rebuild Ukraine, but also include Russia.
Let’s not repeat the mistakes of 1914, when the first cousin leaders’ of Germany and England (children and grandchildren of Queen Victoria) intense dislike of each other morphed into the World War I, and of 1918-19, when the war ending Treaty of Versailles was so punitive of Germany that it lead to World War II.
We all now know too much. We can do better.
I humbly suggest that how we describe this situation among ourselves has a significant impact on our collective understanding. Hence, I think it is important that we recognize that most average Russian citizens are either deluded or disgusted by what Putin is doing. They are not to blame. Nor should they be when this is over, and they will seek to rejoin the world community.
A fresh start will be required of us all. I look forward to it. Truly.
Rawn Fulton
Bernardston