By Matt Underwood Russia says UK should disclose what British soldier killed in Ukraine was doing, and frankly, the immediate reaction is, “Why do they even get to ask?” It’s almost comical, the audacity of it. The Russian Foreign Ministry, in its infinite wisdom, wants to know the specifics of a British soldier’s presence in Ukraine. While simultaneously, one must ask, will Russia disclose what *all* of the Russians, including Chechnyans, Siberians, and those forcibly enlisted, are doing there? It seems like a blatant deflection, a way to shift the spotlight away from the actual aggressor.
Instead of answering, what’s wrong with saying “He was admiring the cathedrals?” Or, perhaps, a sarcastic, “Your mum.” Because ultimately, what exactly *are* Russian soldiers doing in Ukraine? They are there on behalf of aggression, on the orders of a dictator, there to conduct a special military operation. And it’s an absurd joke. This “special military operation” has led to a torrent of war crimes.
The world knows what Russia is up to. They are there terrorizing, raping, killing civilians, and kidnapping children. And yet, with all this happening, they are asking questions about the actions of someone on the other side. This highlights the double standard and the hypocrisy. The only reason anyone from the UK is in Ukraine is at the invitation of the sovereign nation of Ukraine.
Let’s be honest: If the British soldier was there to assist the Ukrainians in pushing back against the Russian invasion, then good on him. Or perhaps he was keeping an eye on the North Korean, African, Indian, and Iranian soldiers assisting Russia. It’s hard not to feel that he was there to assist in defending a country that was attacked by a foreign power.
Instead of answering Russia’s queries, perhaps we should ask them to disclose why there are thousands of North Korean slaves being killed in Ukraine. Or better yet, why there are thousands of *Russian* slaves being killed in Ukraine. This whole situation is a farce, and it’s the Russians who are the perpetrators. It’s the Russians who are committing the atrocities.
The question of what the British soldier was doing in Ukraine is really a non-issue. The fact is, he was there under Ukrainian jurisdiction. Why should Russia care? It’s not their place to dictate what happens within a sovereign nation’s borders, and it seems this is nothing more than an attempt to distract from their own illegal actions.
If Russia wants answers, then maybe they should start by disclosing what the Russian soldiers who died in Ukraine were doing. What about their “special military operation?” Is that too special to explain? The fact is, they are invading a country, committing war crimes, and causing widespread devastation.
The only acceptable answer Russia deserves is a firm, unambiguous “fuck off.” The world would be a better place if diplomats just adopted this response. This is about defending democracy and the free world, and Russia is not playing by the rules. Russia doesn’t have to explain its actions, so why should the UK?
Of course, the most likely answers are: he was killing Russian invaders or helping to capture Russian soldiers. He was there to inspect cockroaches. He was there to plant sunflowers. And he was certainly there to observe the new defensive capabilities.
Let’s not forget the sheer irony of the situation. While Russia demands an explanation for the actions of a single soldier, they have repeatedly made claims against NATO powers, alleging that their personnel are assisting Ukraine. They seem more concerned with the actions of others than their own. The British soldier was doing whatever the hell he wanted, legally, on Ukrainian soil.
Why is Russia in Ukraine? That’s the real question. They need to disclose the truth. They need to stop the lies and the accusations. They need to end their invasion and go home. And frankly, Russia’s opinion on this matter simply isn’t needed or wanted.