By John Q. Hosedrinker 
On September 9th, Russian forces attacked the front-line village of Yarova in Donetsk Oblast, resulting in at least 24 fatalities and 19 injuries. The strike occurred around 11 a.m. while residents were receiving pensions, with casualties including pensioners and postal workers. Authorities condemned the attack as terrorism, and footage revealed a damaged postal service vehicle and bodies. President Zelensky called for international response, highlighting the targeting of civilians, and European officials denounced the attack as a display of inhumanity.
Read the original article here
‘ Pure terrorism’ — At least 24 killed in Russian air strike on Ukrainian village during pension payouts, and the immediate gut reaction is pure, unadulterated anger. Targeting civilians, especially those simply trying to collect their pensions, isn’t just an act of war; it’s a deliberate act of terror designed to instill fear and break the spirit of a nation. It’s a cold, calculated move that strips away any pretense of military strategy and lays bare the brutal reality of targeting the most vulnerable. The sheer callousness of this attack is deeply disturbing, and it’s difficult to comprehend the mindset of those who would order or carry out such an atrocity.
The scale of the tragedy, with at least 24 lives lost, paints a grim picture of the human cost of this conflict. The fact that this occurred during pension payouts underscores the cruel nature of the attack. These were likely elderly people, struggling to make ends meet, simply trying to access their meager funds. To become victims of a deadly air strike while going about such a mundane task is beyond horrific. It’s a stark reminder of the devastating impact of the war on ordinary Ukrainians and the lengths to which some will go to inflict suffering.
The very question of why Ukraine can’t hold elections right now feels almost sacrilegious in light of events like this. Some might argue that it’s a distraction or a way to deflect from the atrocities being committed, but a look at the circumstances tells a different story. The fact is, Ukraine is under martial law, and its constitution doesn’t permit elections during such a period. Comparing Ukraine’s situation to that of other nations, especially in contexts where the very foundations of the state are under assault, shows how the context matters more than anything else. The focus should remain on the ongoing violence and the suffering it inflicts.
There’s no excusing the horrors of this conflict. The Russian military’s history, particularly its actions in places like Syria, reveals a pattern of brutality and disregard for civilian lives. The fact that this is not an isolated incident is what makes it so much worse. From the very beginning, reports have highlighted the targeting of civilians, the bombing of hospitals, and the use of devastating weaponry. The phrase “pure terrorism” rings true because it accurately reflects the nature of these deliberate attacks.
Some have drawn parallels between the actions of Russia and the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel, and the point is valid to some extent. Both situations involve deeply rooted conflicts and involve instances of violence and suffering. However, the contexts are different: one is an unprovoked invasion of a neighboring country, the other is a long-standing conflict. While it’s true that both cases involve ethnic cleansing, the origins and the nature of the aggressions are distinct. It’s important to acknowledge the differences, not just to minimize the impact of what happened to the Ukrainian civilians.
The selective application of moral outrage is another uncomfortable truth. Some people seem to apply their moral compass only to certain situations or parties while ignoring or downplaying the actions of others. This is a common theme, and it’s a testament to how easily narratives can be shaped and manipulated. It’s essential to remain consistent in condemning violence and human rights abuses, regardless of who is committing them.
The overwhelming feeling is that the world has become unmoored. The constant flow of horrific images, the sheer scale of suffering, and the feeling that international norms are being violated with impunity leave a person reeling. The responsibility of speaking out against these atrocities is heavy, but it’s a duty that cannot be ignored. We have to acknowledge the wrong, regardless of who commits it. We must find ways to help those who have been victimized and to demand accountability from those responsible.