By John Q. Hosedrinker 
President Putin’s decree ordering Ukrainians’ departure from occupied and Russian territories by September 10th is a violation of international law, according to Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi. This action, deemed part of a genocidal policy, forces Ukrainians to either accept Russian citizenship or face deportation, furthering Russia’s Russification efforts. The decree also mandates medical screenings for those in occupied territories, adding another layer to the campaign of persecution and forced displacement. This move directly contradicts Russia’s claims of seeking a peaceful settlement and underscores its intent to destroy Ukrainian statehood.
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Putin’s decree ordering the deportation of people from occupied Ukrainian territories is, according to Ukraine, a component of a larger genocidal policy. This isn’t a new accusation; the claim of Russia’s genocidal actions has been circulating for some time. However, the lack of widespread international outrage, and even active opposition to aid for Ukraine in some quarters, raises serious questions about global response to the crisis.
The forced relocation of Ukrainians, particularly those deemed unsupportive of the Russian regime, is viewed as a deliberate attempt to erase Ukrainian identity and culture. It’s not merely about acquiring land; Russia, already possessing vast territories, seems primarily focused on acquiring Ukraine’s population, aiming to fundamentally alter the demographic makeup of the region. This forced assimilation, even if it doesn’t involve immediate physical violence, is considered a form of genocide.
The narrative that Russia is offering citizenship as a choice is demonstrably false. Citizenship is being imposed, forcing Ukrainians to renounce their own nationality in the process. The claim that Ukraine banned the Russian language is also untrue; President Zelenskyy himself is a Russian speaker. The whole situation echoes previous justifications for Russian aggression, such as the annexation of Crimea, suggesting a pattern of manipulative tactics aimed at legitimizing illegal actions.
The international response to this situation is deeply uneven and complex. While some nations and individuals strongly condemn Putin’s actions, others remain silent or, worse, actively hinder efforts to support Ukraine. A significant part of this disconnect lies in the complex interplay of political interests, geopolitical maneuvering, and the effectiveness of competing propaganda campaigns.
The argument that the far-left is unconcerned with the situation in Ukraine is a simplification. Some progressive voices have expressed opposition to aid packages due to concerns about aid going to other countries such as Israel, highlighting a broader dissatisfaction with certain aspects of foreign policy. This is distinct from outright indifference to Ukraine’s plight. A key sticking point for some on the left was the inclusion of aid to Israel in the same aid package intended for Ukraine. Some progressives felt that including aid for Israel alongside Ukraine would be endorsing Israel’s actions in Gaza.
The comparison between the situations in Ukraine and Gaza is often raised, with some arguing that the selective focus on one conflict over the other demonstrates hypocrisy. However, this comparison misses crucial nuances. While both regions face violence and displacement, the situations are not identical. In Ukraine, there is a clear aggressor – Russia – and the conflict is about a direct, unprovoked invasion and attempt at conquest. The situation in Gaza is more complex, with both sides perpetrating violence and accusations of war crimes.
Ultimately, the effectiveness of propaganda from different actors plays a crucial role in shaping public opinion. Russia’s sophisticated propaganda machine, coupled with the inherent biases and complexities of international relations, has made it difficult to counter misinformation effectively. This further complicates the response to the conflict. The ability of Hamas to control the narrative and garner sympathy through propaganda, compared to Ukraine’s struggle to communicate its plight amidst a military conflict, is a significant factor that needs to be understood. The apparent asymmetry in international response may not be entirely attributable to indifference, but also to factors like propaganda and pre-existing biases within the global community.
The forced transfer of Ukrainian children to Russia is another significant aspect of this humanitarian crisis. This practice is undeniably a form of genocide. While the long history of colonialism and imperialism informs the critical lens through which many view conflict between Western nations and those in the global south, this specific context should not be used to mitigate the urgency of action. Ukraine, currently fighting for its very existence, deserves global support and solidarity. The failure to act decisively against Putin’s actions now is a moral failure that will have far-reaching consequences.