24 February 2025
by Sergei Davidis
Source: Facebook
I should start by saying that what I’m writing here is my personal opinion, and it’s not a reflection of the positions of any organization to which I belong.
February stretches on. That’s basically how it feels. It would be impossible not to adapt to the new war that’s been going on for three years now. It’s impossible to feel the tragedy of the full-scale invasion as acutely for three years straight as we felt it during the first weeks. That can be explained by adaptive psychology. Ultimately, my assessment of what began on February 24, 2022 (as well as what began in February 2014) hasn’t changed at all.
I still have no words to express the sense of unreality and impossibility of what is happening — the absolute absurdity and unacceptability of wars of aggression in general, and in particular the full-scale war that began three years ago.
And at the same time, I am still certain that the bloody madness that started on February 24, 2022, has no sensible explanation or justification and that this is unprovoked, treacherous aggression. I am certain that Ukraine is firmly in the right and our country is the aggressor, and that Ukraine must be fully supported and Putin’s aggression countered in every possible way.
I marvel at the heroic Ukrainians who have been holding back the onslaught of superior enemy forces for three years.
I am certain that the blame for this war lies with Putin and his inner circle, though we are all responsible for it to some degree or another. (I don’t mean responsible in terms of deserving punishment, just in terms of cause and effect.) But at the same time, I am certain that the Russian people did not ask for this war. It’s not their war, it’s Putin’s.
My warm feelings, sympathy, and support are with Ukraine and the Ukrainians, but at the same time — though I may be condemned for it — I also feel for those Russians not committing war crimes who are experiencing hardships because of the war, including members of the military. They are still legitimate targets of the Ukrainian armed forces regardless, and helping the Ukrainian military fight back against them as effectively as possible is certainly a noble cause.
I feel hatred and disgust for everyone who has committed war crimes. For those who slaughtered in Bucha, bombed the Mariupol theater, launched missiles in Vinnytsia and Odesa, tortured prisoners of war and civilians in basements, pre-trial detention centers, and penal colonies, passed unjust sentences in Donetsk and Rostov — not to mention those who orchestrated and oversaw it all. I hope they won’t escape punishment.
Unconditional support for Ukraine is especially important now, as it has been throughout these three years. I am certain that this is the only real anti-war position. And now, more than ever, it’s important that this support be visible: actions, money, words. Everyone can decide for themselves what they’re able to do, but, for starters, here is a link to a Fundraiser to Support Ukraine in Lithuania.
During these three years, hundreds of Russians who have spoken out against the war and in support of Ukraine, defending the honor of our country, have landed behind bars. They also need help today. Here is a link to a Fundraiser to Help Russian Anti-War Political Prisoners – those who spoke out against the war and in support of Ukraine.
Translated by Nina dePalma
