By Matt Underwood 
Multiple casualties in Ukraine after Russian strike hits passenger train – it’s just absolutely heartbreaking. The gut reaction is a mix of anger and profound sadness, isn’t it? Knowing innocent people, likely families, were simply trying to get somewhere, maybe even to safety, and then this happens. It’s hard to wrap your head around the intentionality, the complete disregard for human life. The imagery of Kramatorsk train station, where children waiting for evacuation were killed, instantly comes to mind – a stark reminder of the cruelty and the patterns that seem to be repeating. This is not just an isolated incident; it’s part of a devastating trend.
Russia has to experience decisive, paralysing strikes to stop this, so many people believe. It’s understandable to feel that way – the frustration and rage are palpable. The feeling that the current situation isn’t enough, that something more is needed to deter these attacks and protect the innocent. The idea of kinetic sanctions, designed to cripple Russia’s ability to wage war, seems like a logical step to some. Striking at military infrastructure and the industry fueling the war is seen as a way to hit back, targeting the sources of this violence.
So far, only Ukrainian strikes on refineries, pipes, pumping stations, railways, factories, and warehouses for the military industry seem to work effectively. When the targets of war crimes are Ukrainian civilians, the world needs to be appalled. It is a fundamental principle of warfare that civilians and non-military targets must not be the object of attacks.
Slava Ukraini! The sentiment is clear – a denouncement of Russia and its actions. It’s an expression of support for Ukraine, for their fight for survival and their inherent right to defend themselves. This goes hand-in-hand with the acknowledgement that the Russian government is evil. It is not about supporting a side in a conflict; it is about supporting the value of all life.
Meanwhile, Ukraine is taking out their infrastructure and military targets left, right and center. The contrast is stark and brutal – Ukraine, focused on military targets, and Russia, apparently focused on murdering civilians. The perception of Russia’s actions, and the type of war they are carrying out, is that of a weak terrorist state, as others would have it. The response is the natural empathy we feel for those victims, and a frustration with those perpetrating such horrific acts.
Anyone who still supports Putin and his warmongering is truly soulless. This really cuts to the core. It’s a harsh judgment, but it stems from a deep-seated sense of right and wrong. To see the deliberate targeting of civilians and then to hear support for it… it just doesn’t make sense. Whether it’s intentional or due to incompetence, the consequences are the same. The pattern of these strikes reveals their nature: from theaters to schools to the elderly.
Putin and the Russians are truly villainous. The idea that people can disappear for simply holding a blank piece of paper in a society is horrifying. The question of complicity within Russian society comes up, and it’s a complex one. A lot of people there are against Putin and the war. Yet, the silence, the acceptance, or the active support of the war effort is enough to make one pause. The weight of responsibility rests on individuals within Russia and what the Russian people do.
Attacks like this should be immediately answered in identical fasion? Answering atrocities with atrocities is never the answer. The impulse is understandable, the urge to retaliate in kind. But it goes against everything the world tries to stand for. Striking civilian targets would not help to achieve the goals Ukraine has for its own future. Russia’s actions should instead be met by focused action against legitimate military targets.
It is a shame Americans don’t demonstrate and protest more. The feeling of guilt, of powerlessness, is a powerful one. You can’t help but feel the world is slipping. The question of how much is enough arises, and it’s a painful one to answer. Making inroads is good, but it is important to do more. Each of us has to find ways to take action, to make our voices heard, before it’s too late.
I’m not for killing civilians but it would probably make Russians not support putin as much. The sentiment that the majority of Russians support the war effort complicates the issue. The reality of the situation is often obscured by propaganda, by lack of information, and by a fear of punishment. The belief that Ukrainians want Russians killed, is an echo of the rhetoric of war, and does not reflect the values of Ukrainians, nor those fighting alongside them.
Ukraine wants to get in EU and NATO after the war. This statement is important to keep in mind. Purposely targeting civilians is the greatest gift that could be offered to the Russian propaganda machine. This would undermine any of the future goals and visions of Ukraine, and would only serve to further the divide, and make those goals more distant and more difficult to achieve.