Who cannot be inspired by the Ukrainians’ resistance to the Russian invaders?
Ordinary citizens, having been given firearms, are fighting for their homes and families. (A reminder for Americans that the Second Amendment was not primarily about hunting.)
Ukrainian soldiers, many choosing death rather than surrender, holding back Russian forces, despite the Russians’ superiority in numbers and equipment.
The defiance of the 13 border guards at Snake Island.
Ukrainian pilots–including the mysterious “Ghost of Kyev,” the name reminiscent of the Finnish sniper who was among those who turned back the Soviet Union in their ill-fated invasion of Finland–shooting down Russian aircraft, including two troop transports.
Ukrainian missiles utterly destroying the 56 tanks of the Chechen special forces, notorious for their brutality, moving in with playing cards showing the Ukrainian officials they were meant to kill. But this elite unit was reportedly “obliterated,” completely wiped out.
Russian losses are said to be 4,300 dead, 146 tanks, 27 planes, and 26 helicopters.
Ukrainian president Zelensky refusing to abandon his capital, rejecting an American offer to evacuate him, saying, “I need ammunition, not a ride.”
Putin raging in humiliation.
It’s hard to imagine Ukraine defeating Russia, the odds are so great against them. Maybe it could happen. But now Putin is rattling his nuclear and chemical sabers, suggesting that a thwarted and enraged dictator could unless even greater horrors. Though perhaps the Russian people could rise up and overthrow him, as they did the Soviets. And even if the Russians overrun Ukraine and take it over, how are they going to govern an armed and hostile populace? Ukraine could become the Russians’ Afghanistan.
For now, though, we aren’t used to seeing people putting their lives on the line for freedom, for their country. We have forgotten what that looks like. We used to be that way, though I don’t think we are anymore. We have become so jaded and cynical that we have given up on qualities like heroism, courage, and patriotism. To see it now is exhilarating and inspiring.
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
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