By John Q. Hosedrinker 
A recent column published by the Russian state-run media outlet RIA Novosti called for the extermination of all Ukrainians, marking a significant escalation in Russia’s dehumanizing war propaganda. The article, penned by Kirill Strelnikov, denies Ukrainian humanity and repeats Kremlin propaganda lines, portraying Ukrainians as expendable pawns of the West. This rhetoric contradicts the reality of a population defending its sovereignty against an unprovoked invasion and echoes a long-standing Kremlin narrative designed to deny Ukraine’s right to exist, further solidifying Russia’s genocidal framing of the conflict. The outlet and the author have previously been known to spread disinformation.
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“No other option” — Russian state media article demands no Ukrainians ‘be left alive’.” That chilling statement isn’t just a headline; it’s a plunge into the heart of a horrific reality. It’s a demand for genocide, stark and undeniable, coming from the mouth of a state media outlet. It’s a situation so far beyond the pale that it’s hard to even process. The sheer audacity of calling for the extermination of an entire population is something most people can barely fathom. It makes you question the very fabric of what’s considered acceptable behavior on the global stage.
For those who remember historical atrocities, this is not unfamiliar territory. The comparison to the call for the “final solution” for the Jewish people during the Holocaust isn’t just hyperbole. The article, with its direct references and veiled threats, echoes a chilling history. It paints a picture of intent, a roadmap to the annihilation of a people, leaving no room for interpretation. It’s a blatant disregard for human life, and it is a grave crime against humanity.
The underlying motives of this aggression are complex and deeply rooted in historical grievances and perceived slights. The narrative from Moscow seems to be based on the idea that Russia, not Ukraine, is the rightful heir to the Kievan Rus’ empire and, therefore, Ukraine’s very existence is a theft. This distorted historical view fuels the ultra-nationalist ethnocentrism, a mindset that views Ukrainians not as a distinct people but as a problem to be solved, through elimination.
What is the underlying motivation? Perhaps, it’s a combination of factors: Putin’s machismo, a fear of appearing weak, and the undeniable economic and demographic decline of Russia. The invasion of Ukraine provides the opportunity to plunder resources and to rewrite history on Moscow’s terms. But whatever the reasons, they don’t excuse the crimes being committed, and they don’t negate the fact that calls for genocide are an undeniable and horrific reality.
This is not simply a war; it’s an attempt to erase a nation and its culture. This has been evident from the outset of the full-scale invasion, and it has only intensified over time. The targeting of civilians, the documented war crimes, and now this explicit call for genocide all point to a strategy of total destruction. The use of the same language, and the same justifications, that were used by the Nazis during the Second World War, can be seen as a clear indication of where this is all leading.
It’s clear that stopping this requires more than just words. It requires action, and it requires holding those responsible accountable. The world should not stand idly by while a nation is systematically destroyed. This is a moment that demands that we remember our shared humanity, our obligation to stand against evil, and the importance of defending the innocent.
This isn’t just a story about geopolitical tensions; it’s about the fundamental values of humanity. It’s a moment that calls for global solidarity, for the collective will of the world to say “never again.” The world needs to find a way to act and end this, not next year, not next month, but now. It’s the only moral and humane response.