The Forgotten War?

 Ukraine: A Humanitarian Tragedy Ignored

The war in Ukraine continues to rage, inflicting unimaginable suffering on civilians who are too often the deliberate target of Russia’s unrelenting aggression. Is this the forgotten war? Recent events underscore the brutal reality of this conflict, with Russian forces persistently bombing civilian areas and committing heinous acts against non-combatants. Despite this, global awareness and media coverage remain disturbingly insufficient, especially in Australia, leaving many unaware of the ongoing atrocities.

Constant Bombardment of Civilians

Russia continues its relentless assault on civilian populations.  Just yesterday another missile strike on a civilian area – this time on a printing company that was printing children’s books. Seven employees killed and fifteen injured.  Just another day in Kharkiv – and this is over two years into the war…  Daily bombings and missile strikes target residential areas, schools, hospitals, and other civilian infrastructure, leading to staggering casualties. Nearly 90% of Ukraine’s thermal power plants have been damaged or destroyed and there are rolling power outages across the whole country. Cities and villages across the East  have witnessed devastating destruction, with entire neighbourhoods reduced to rubble. The indiscriminate nature of these attacks has resulted in significant loss of life, including women, children, and the elderly.

International Alliances with Dictatorships

Compounding the tragedy, Russia has been bolstering its military capabilities through alliances with other authoritarian regimes. Countries like North Korea, Iran, and China have been supplying Russia with weapons used to bomb Ukrainian civilians. These partnerships have escalated the violence, enabling Russia to maintain a steady supply of arms and ammunition. The involvement of these countries highlights the global dimension of the conflict and the extent of the threat to international peace and security.

Mercenaries and “Meat Waves”

In addition to receiving external support, Russia has increasingly relied on mercenaries from impoverished nations to sustain its war effort. Just some of the countries I’ve seen represented in these mercenary troops are Nepal, India, China, Niger, Chad, Sudan, Somalia, Cuba, and Venezuela. These mercenaries, are used as cannon fodder, often referred to as “meat waves,” in brutal offensives designed to overwhelm Ukrainian defences. This cynical strategy exploits the desperation of individuals from economically disadvantaged regions, sending them into deadly combat with little regard for their lives.

Restrained Western Support

While Ukraine receives military aid from Western countries, there are significant restrictions on how this support can be utilised. Ukrainian forces are prohibited from using Western-supplied weapons to target Russian launch sites across the border, even as Russia continues to launch daily attacks on civilians from its territory. This limitation hampers Ukraine’s ability to defend itself effectively and retaliate against the sources of its suffering. Ukraine is literally BEGGING for air defence to protect civilian villages and towns being bombarded and destroyed and yet multiple air defence systems are sitting in storage around the world, quietly rusting whilst people die.

Atrocities in Kharkiv Oblast (Oblast means region)

Recent reports from Kharkiv Oblast paint a grim picture of the horrors inflicted on civilians in areas under Russian control. There are credible accounts of summary executions, including the targeting of disabled and elderly individuals. Civilians are being locked in basements and used as human shields, a gross violation of human rights and international law. These atrocities are reminiscent of the worst crimes committed in past conflicts and underscore the urgent need for global intervention.

Silence and Indifference

Despite the severity of the situation, coverage of the war in Ukraine has diminished in international media. In countries like Australia, the conflict rarely makes headlines, and public outrage is notably absent. This apathy is particularly concerning given the scale of the humanitarian crisis and the principles at stake. The silence from those who claim to champion human rights and oppose genocide is deafening, raising questions about the global community’s commitment to justice and compassion. I can only imagine how this indifference must add to the Ukrainian’s suffering and emotional distress.

The Importance of Awareness and Action

It is crucial to recognize that the war in Ukraine is not a distant conflict with no bearing on our lives. The aggression displayed by Russia threatens the very foundations of international order and human dignity. Allowing such violations to go unchecked sets a dangerous precedent and emboldens other authoritarian regimes.

The global community must not turn a blind eye to the suffering of the Ukrainian people. Increased media coverage, public awareness, and political pressure are essential to support Ukraine’s fight for sovereignty and to hold Russia accountable for its actions. Additionally,  Western nations MUST reconsider the restrictions placed on military aid, allowing Ukraine to defend itself more effectively against a well-armed aggressor.

Call to Action

The war in Ukraine is far from over. The daily bombings, the alliances with other dictatorships, the use of mercenaries, and the atrocities committed against civilians are stark reminders of the ongoing humanitarian crisis. It is incumbent upon all of us to stay informed, raise our voices, and demand action. The suffering of the Ukrainian people should concern us all, and it is through our collective efforts that we can help bring an end to this brutal conflict.

 

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