In the article “Crimes of War” (Upfront, Patricia Smith, 2022 subscription required) I learned about the sad perspective of some of the citizens of Ukraine on the ongoing conflict between the nation and Russia. This past spring, Russia retreated from a town by the name of Bucha. They left behind bodies of innocent citizens on the streets, in basements, and in backyards. Most of the victims had gunshot wounds to the head and some even had their hands tied behind their backs. These reckless and sadistic killings were fueled by the Russian soldiers’ frustration of being unable to advance on the city of Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine. Other instances in which civilians were targeted in Bucha include Russian missile attacks on hospitals and schools, which have prompted accusations against Russian president Vladamir Putin of committing war crimes.
Do you think Russia is guilty of committing war crimes in Ukraine?I think that the accusations against Vladamir Putin and the Russian army of committing war crimes are justified. The killing of civilians is intentional, and inhumane manner which is considered a war crime in itself. I also think that bombing hospitals and schools, which are places that house many innocent civilians, is worthy of being considered a war crime because they have resulted in the killings of many more innocents including children.
Dear Omar
I am impressed by your post, “War Crimes,” because this is a serious topic that many people have been debating and questioning.
One sentence you wrote that stands out for me is: “I also think that bombing hospitals and schools, which are places that house many innocent civilians, is worthy of being considered a war crime because they have resulted in the killings of many more innocents including children.” I think this is important because I agree with this statement. I think that it takes a lot for people to be willing to bomb hospitals. It’s a new level of cruelty.
Thanks for your writing. I look forward to seeing what you write next because this was a topic we both found interesting. I wonder what other topics you will write about that I might find intriguing.
Xavier Cruz
Omar,
I completely agree with you, and I am curious if you believe it is Ukrainian regionalism or Ukrainian nationalism that has kept Russia semi-at bay. Many people say it is nationalism fighting Russian nationalism, but I believe it is regionalism.
Jimmy,
Based on my understanding I would say it leans more toward Ukrainian regionalism as well because of how the role of Russia is involved in the history of the concept. From what I know, regions in Ukraine interpret the role of Russia, the Russian language and culture, and relations with the city of Moscow differently. Economic elites in the eastern region of Ukraine basically have attempted to exploit these concepts for their own political gain, which would explain why there is a conflict with Russia in that regard.
I hope that answered a portion of your curiosity