Well, it’s been a while. A long while since I did something like this, namely back in the first months of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Back then the air was filled with dreadful uncertainty and reasonable fear. Now, it is these exact feelings combined with a horrid sense of mental fatigue. A mental fatigue that slowly drains the individual witnessing the absence of any public mention of the dire situation, thus deeming one’s life as worthless. So, let’s talk.
It has been 7 days since Russia’s last missile attack against Ukraine, concluding with a toll of 18 dead and 130 injured. All civilians with now lost homes, loved ones, memories, and even their own lives. But perhaps some of you may not have even heard of it, since the global media is currently oversaturated with tons of new stories to share. And fairly so, considering the ever-escalating tensions this world experiences with each passing year. But it is with that realization that the shadow of what we feared ever since the 24th of February crawled in to stay: the gradual public disappearance of what is happening in Ukraine.
Indeed, a lot has happened in the turbulent geopolitical arena to properly cover each case separately. But these developments were not the only ones that made me record these disclosures. It is the used justification for the absence of the coverage that lies in the banal comparison. 18 dead is not 110 during the first days of the war. 130 injured is not 350. With that, the media’s need to mention the continuous war crimes committed by russia simply fades out, paving the way for something more entertaining so as to not lose their audience. But how come this attitude develops when a single death is already too much? Or have we simply crossed the point in which the interest of the public in the tragedy is only fuelled when the higher number of casualties is involved?
Such a “lethargic adaptability” seems to constantly spread further in its global context, feeding Russia’s sense of impunity and paving the ground for yet another set of attacks. Any report on Russia’s daily deployment of MIG-31 against Ukraine to constantly damage our economy and threaten our lives seems to be non-existent in the international media space, confined exclusively here. The theme of genocide seems to be no longer relevant in the circles, despite endless incitement from Russian media and their public displays of how easy it is to abduct, deport, and forcefully assimilate Ukrainian children in russia.
But outside the deep concerns and blinks of sudden righteousness, the proper punishment somehow remains too risky for some of our partners to bestow upon the aggressor state. How come no action in reaction still means no further escalation in the eyes of many, when that exact mindset gave russia an impetus to further violate international law in the first place? How come in spite of countless damaged Russian drones found on the territories of other countries, it is still “their war”? How come it is still not embarrassing to shake hands with those responsible for inflicting the previously mentioned tragedy only a few days ago?
The usual answers for such questions are either rooted in whataboutism, ignorance, or pure desire to be “not like others”, thus advocating for russia and its extermination of our people. And that is, unfortunately, a direct consequence of the currently dangerously damaged democratic values that many take for granted, thus letting themselves toy with ideas, the consequences of which their generation has never experienced on their own skin beforehand. But that is only a small fraction of the unforeseen havoc seen in the cracks – if not the vastly shaped pits – of the judicial, political, and diplomatic landscape.
Nonetheless, let me highlight one important thing before some leave: We are grateful for every single humanitarian, financial, and military aid. Truly, we are, for without it the tides of the war would have been so much different. And yes, we realize that Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine is not the only one affecting this world. But I believe that constant requirement for us to be more grateful should not automatically shut our mouths on certain shortcomings we can clearly witness. After all, the key to our victory lies in honest communication and transparent exchange of real emotions and arguments to strengthen our interaction. Thus, let me review some of them:
1) Sanctions work only in countries, where people know their worth. That is exactly something that some may fail to recognize, thus implementing clearly soft and trivial restrictions in all the cases, naively waiting for any change to happen. But one should realize that when dealing with such a state as russia one cannot expect the massive protest in the heart of the Kremlin, especially with how adaptable russians are to particularly anything, for they deem it as normal. Surely the prospect of no sanctions would indeed be catastrophic and very telling of the world institutions’ inability to guard the application of international law and order. But what is important to keep in mind is that quantity does not guarantee quality. Thus, instead of stacking packages of sanctions, perhaps it is time to adopt one that would undoubtedly affect the inner and outer matters of the aggressor state. Sanctions affecting Russia’s nuclear industry, for instance.
2) The soft-spoken democracy has long drained its efficiency when dealing with russia and its puppet allies. Indeed, negotiations have long served as a semi-functioning mechanism for resolving tensions in line with democratic principles. Nonetheless, with the turbulent changes in the geopolitical area, the failure to modify the efficiency of the democratic techniques and fear of taking big actions has contributed to the “rouge-states” using these weaknesses to their own advantage. Furthermore, the fact that certain individuals simply wait for this to become a war of attrition to force any negotiations, knowing that it will be a losing game for us particularly because russia uses people as human meat in the same manner as it did before, clearly showcases one of the worst tendencies that diplomacy may offer – to exchange anything for an illusion of diplomatic victory. One must realise that russia purposely uses “pompous but null threats and sabotage” just to see how far it can go with its impunity, while most of its allies adhere to the “emptio et venditio” strategy. Submit to it many times and you lose any control of the situation. To demonstrate the determination and responsibility for actions natural for the war-time democracy is in the interest of all world institutions.
3) Russia’s influence on improper, manipulative, and simply bought coverage of many events occurring during the war by an ever-increasing number of international media is as strong as ever. Perhaps even stronger than it was during the first days of the war. It is unsurprising, considering that this year is deemed to be an essential year of numerous world elections, having a chance to change matters for better or worse. But outside of the usual corrupt cynicism, uneducated remarks and simple biases present both in certain articles and reactions, what scared me the most is that Russia’s means became more subtle, for there were instances of such an influence in the reports of those media I personally deemed reliable. But even after their apologies for providing false information, I couldn’t help but realize that such cases will only increase in numbers without proper actions against Russian propaganda – both inside our country and abroad. Informational war is one of the central spheres that russia will only continue to use more. Thus, it is crucial to know how to counter it.
I am aware that this might not be pleasant for some to hear, considering the subject and my possibly pretentious tone. But such observations should not be ignored in the same way that Russia’s escalations were before the full-scale invasion. “When you criticize something, propose something in return”. I shall. For without it, my words would only be deemed as yet another babbling.
1) Let’s drop this useless act of concern. It certainly was easier to use this well-known phrase to spread the illusion of attention, while shamelessly appealing to both the victim and invader. But in times of war, any sign of sitting on two chairs is disingenuous and will never be forgotten. Thus, it is time to act. For this war is not only detrimental to Ukraine but it’s also crumbling the very essence, ideals, and values the world institutions were built upon and operated for decades. And if you still believe that the war won’t knock at your door, well, we know history too well to fall for it, don’t we? Perhaps it is finally time to learn from mistakes.
2) For those abroad, it is crucial for you to continue talking about the war. The mentioned public disappearance of what is happening in Ukraine is a first bell for your action. Organize the demonstrations and public events in the same manner and passion as during the first days of the war. Connect with both us and those abroad to ensure open and honest communication. Educate people on our fight against the invasion and why it matters. If you can cover all war crimes russia is committing here for a wide audience, take this responsibility and use your voice. And those, who are willing to help Ukraine directly, come back home. We have a lot of work to do.
3) For those here, there are currently three actions that encompass the vital foundation that holds our country together: donating, volunteering, and fighting. If you see the fundraising initiative, donate + support it. If you can help deliver support to others, do it carefully but fearlessly. If you are ready and determined to physically protect your land – fight and return home safe. But no matter what, we must always stick together. For unity is not just a simple word, it is a state which grants us the power to stay strong and keep our country whole – both during the war and after our victory.
Lastly, standing near one of the direct consequences of Russia’s attacks, you realize that no words of concern or “thoughts and prayers” can shield you from Russia’s missiles and bullets. Actions against Russia’s long-lasting impunity and constant violations of international law can.