Some perspectives on the Russo-Ukrainian War

Two years after the full-scale invasion, The Guardian published a series of editorials entitled War in Ukraine, two years in. Each of the four editorials offers a unique take on the war that has gone one for about a decade (starting with Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea), and has been full-scale since this time two years ago. One of the perspectives is Russian, which is interesting in its own right. Each column makes it clear that there is so much nuance that often gets missed or simply ignored altogether. Yes, Europe needs to beef up its military regardless of the war's outcome. Yes, Ukrainians are very united in vanquishing the invaders, but have considerable differences of opinion on how to live as the war rages on. Maybe hanging on to a semblance of normality is an act of defiance. Ukrainians are increasingly frustrated figuring out how to perform to satisfy Westerners who do not grasp their lived reality. And it's true that conditions for independent journalism in Russia are more bleak than ever, and that it is often impossible to have a rational conversation with those on the inside, especially those relying on Russian state TV for their information.

In addition to the columns, there was a good analysis of the economic impact the war is having on both Ukraine and Russia. Sanctions may be working, but painfully slowly, and Putin was well-prepared when he launched the full-scale invasion two years ago. Ukraine is hanging on, but the reality is that its economy is one US Congressional temper tantrum away from crumbling. I am hoping the worst is avoided, but we are in an election year and the House has a very narrow GOP majority with a significant isolationist faction and a very weak Speaker. The Senate has done its job, but it's not clear when or if the House will put any Ukraine aid bill on the floor for a vote. 

Finally, here is a feature article, A Train Through Ukraine, that captures the lives of Ukrainian people from various parts of the nation, including near the front lines. Soldiers and civilians have truly seen it all. It is worth your time to better understand them.

To think, about a decade ago, Ukrainian citizens succeeded with their Revolution of Dignity, which ended with Putin losing a lot of his influence on Ukrainian politics. That hopeful revolution was followed by the initial invasion that led to a low-grade war for eight years before the current situation began to unfold two years ago. We live in interesting times.

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