As a Ukrainian, I am deeply troubled by the ongoing war with Russia and the widespread belief that Russia’s main goal is the genocide and destruction of my nation. The fact that 60% of Ukrainians believe this to be true is alarming, but to me, it seems obvious based on the actions and statements coming from the Kremlin. Putin and his government have made it clear through their military actions, propaganda campaigns, and brutal treatment of Ukrainian civilians that they are intent on erasing Ukraine as a nation and Ukrainian people as a distinct culture.
It is shocking to me that there are still 40% of Ukrainians who do not see the reality of what is happening.… Continue reading
Nearly 20,000 Wagner mercenaries died taking Bakhmut, media investigation confirms. The sheer magnitude of this loss of life is staggering. These individuals, convicts given a chance at freedom in exchange for fighting, were ultimately expendable pawns in a deadly game of war. They were not fighting for a noble cause, but rather for financial gain, highlighting the grim reality of the mercenary world.
The fact that so many of these individuals were former prisoners speaks volumes about the desperation and vulnerability that can lead people into such dangerous and morally ambiguous professions. They were used as cannon fodder by those in power, with little regard for their lives or well-being.… Continue reading
The recent report of a journalist and a doctor being involved in holding Noa Argamani hostage in Gaza has sparked a range of emotions and reactions. It raises questions about the blurred lines between civilians and combatants in conflict zones, especially when individuals choose to aid terrorist organizations like Hamas. The idea that hosting hostages in your home automatically transforms you from a civilian to a militant is a harsh reality that we must grapple with.
It is disheartening to think that individuals who are meant to uphold truth and healing, such as journalists and doctors, could be involved in such nefarious activities.… Continue reading
Photos of released Ukrainian prisoners of war showing their emaciated bodies in horrifying condition have recently surfaced, shedding light on the atrocities happening in the midst of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia. As I scroll through these images, my heart aches at the sight of these individuals who have clearly suffered immensely at the hands of their captors. It is a stark reminder of the inhumanity that can manifest in times of war, where basic human rights are often disregarded in the pursuit of power.
The juxtaposition of these haunting photographs with advertisements for happy, carefree products seems almost surreal.… Continue reading
Hamas operatives reportedly have standing orders to kill hostages if the IDF approaches. It’s shocking to think that a group would resort to such brutal tactics, even though this is sadly not an entirely surprising revelation given Hamas’ track record. The idea of killing hostages before their potential rescue is not only morally reprehensible but also strategically nonsensical. Hostages are supposed to act as bargaining tools for negotiation, not sacrificial lambs for the sake of a misguided cause. The decision to execute hostages before they can be rescued seems to be an attempt to shift blame onto Israel and manipulate public perception, further fueling the negative news surrounding Israel’s actions.… Continue reading
The recent report from CNN about Russians increasingly raping Ukrainian men on occupied territories is disturbing and indicative of a troubling trend. The brutality and dehumanization that these individuals are subjected to are beyond comprehension. The lack of basic human decency and the blatant disregard for international law is alarming.
It is perplexing to see such heinous acts being carried out by a country that claims to uphold traditional Christian family values and vehemently opposes homosexuality. The hypocrisy within this context is staggering. How can a nation that decries the LGBTQ community engage in such abhorrent behavior towards their fellow human beings?… Continue reading
The news of 4 more hostages found dead in Gaza, including 3 older men who appeared in a video, is truly heartbreaking. My heart goes out to the families of these innocent victims who were caught in the crossfire of a conflict they had no control over. It is barbaric and tragic that their lives were cut short in such a senseless manner.
The videos from that day are haunting, to say the least. The sheer brutality and inhumanity displayed in those images make one question the depths of depravity that some individuals can sink to. It makes you want to look away, to shield yourself from the horror of what humans are capable of doing to one another.… Continue reading
I was horrified to learn about the reports of sexual violence being perpetrated by Russian forces in occupied areas of Ukraine, especially against men. The idea that such heinous acts are being used as a tool of war is sickening and truly reflects the depths of cruelty that some individuals are capable of. It is a stark reminder of the brutality that can occur in times of conflict, and the devastating impact it has on the survivors.
The normalization of male on male sexual violence within the Russian military, as a form of initiation and discipline, is a disturbing reflection of the toxic masculinity and culture of dominance that seems to permeate their ranks.… Continue reading
Israeli tanks hit an evacuation zone west of Rafah, once again adding to the tragic list of “accidents” that seem to plague this region. The constant denial and lies from the Israeli military only deepen the suspicion that these attacks are intentional rather than mere mistakes. The high number of women killed in this particular incident raises even more concerns about the targeted nature of these strikes. The blatant disregard for civilian lives is appalling, and the excuses made by Israel, such as the claim that they did not strike the humanitarian area, are becoming less and less believable.
The repeated apologies and “oops, sorry” statements do little to rectify the lives lost and the communities destroyed.… Continue reading
As I sit here processing the recent news of Netanyahu acknowledging a ‘tragic mistake’ after a strike in Rafah killed dozens of Palestinians, I can’t help but feel a sense of deep frustration and disappointment. This is not the first time such a tragic incident has occurred under his leadership, and it seems like there is a pattern of disregard for innocent lives in the pursuit of military objectives.
In a world where accountability is essential, the fact that Netanyahu can simply acknowledge a mistake and move on without facing any real consequences is downright unsettling. The lives lost in Rafah were not just numbers on a casualty report; they were real people with families, dreams, and hopes for the future.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker