By John Q. Hosedrinker 
On October 23, the Ukrainian military released footage purportedly showing a Russian FPV drone targeting Ukrainian farmers in Donetsk Oblast, with the 12th Brigade Azov describing it as a “safari” of civilians. The video depicts farmers fleeing agricultural equipment as the drone approaches and crashes into a vehicle. This alleged incident adds to the list of reported war crimes. Additionally, reports indicate Russian soldiers killed at least four civilians sheltering in a basement in Zvanivka, Donetsk Oblast, after attempting to obtain information about Ukrainian positions.
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Peace is not an option? ‘Russians hunting Ukrainian farmers’ in intercepted drone footage, Azov says, and the very concept of peace feels like a distant dream when we consider the accusations, the realities, and the emotions swirling around this conflict. The reports, particularly those from the Azov regiment, of Russian forces allegedly targeting Ukrainian farmers, using drones to hunt them down, paint a chilling picture. It’s a level of brutality that extends far beyond the battlefield, reaching into the everyday lives of civilians, and makes it incredibly difficult to see any path toward a peaceful resolution.
The idea of “The Hunger Games” playing out since 2022, or even earlier in places like Crimea and Eastern Ukraine, underscores the depth of the suffering. This isn’t just a war; it’s a systematic attempt to crush a people, and the methods described – drone-based hunts on civilians – are utterly unacceptable. The sentiment of giving Ukraine the weaponry it needs to defend itself, including potentially even more advanced systems like Tomahawks, reflects the frustration and rage felt by many. The anger is palpable, fueled by the feeling that international norms and laws are being brazenly disregarded.
This anger is compounded when we consider the potential escalation. Some suggest that, if things become desperate enough, all pretense of restraint will be thrown out the window. This leads to a dangerous line of thinking, where war crimes are met with war crimes, leading to an endless cycle of violence and retribution. It’s a dark perspective, but one rooted in the feeling that there’s no accountability for the atrocities being committed.
The debate around targeting infrastructure, particularly energy facilities that support the Russian war machine, is complex. While the desire to cripple the enemy’s capacity to wage war is understandable, the impact on civilians, especially during winter, cannot be ignored. The goal of making Russians experience the cold without heat, is a sign of intense animosity. There’s a recognition that such actions could lead to further suffering.
The question of whether to target Moscow directly, even if it means potentially hitting civilians, is a difficult one. There are clearly differing views on the matter, highlighting the impossible choices that war forces upon people. Some argue that targeting Moscow is necessary to end the war, while others fear the consequences. The potential for the conflict to expand even further into a series of states, potentially with their own weapons of mass destruction, is a sobering thought.
One thing is clear: the current situation makes it challenging to imagine any kind of peace process. The level of distrust, the accusations of war crimes, and the deep-seated hatred on both sides all act as significant obstacles. The idea of “the complete destruction of the Russian empire” as a prerequisite for peace suggests a complete breakdown of any hope of negotiations.
The discussion also turns to potential long-term solutions, such as a possible role for China in the region. Some speculate that an agreement could involve China annexing or overseeing the eastern parts of the Russian Federation, with the western parts closest to Europe becoming a successor state and being occupied by the EU. However, it’s also acknowledged that such a scenario would be incredibly complex, requiring significant resources and a fundamental shift in Russian culture.
The ongoing presence of war crimes is a reminder that this conflict is not just about military strategy; it’s also about the fundamental principles of humanity. The need for justice, accountability, and the protection of civilians are issues that must be addressed if any lasting peace is to be achieved. It’s important to understand that the concept of “Peace” isn’t just the absence of conflict but also the presence of justice. This is something that seems impossible to achieve if Russian actions are beyond the reach of international law. The frustration expressed by those who feel that the conflict is getting out of hand also highlights the intense desire for the war to end and to see the end of the suffering.
The current situation is one where the very concept of “Peace” is under threat, and the path to a peaceful resolution is muddled with difficulty.