Struggle against tyranny continues in Ukraine

Mar 01, 2024

By Michael Sean Winters
February 24 marked the sombre second anniversary of Russia’s second invasion of Ukraine in this century. The initial invasion began a decade ago, on February 27, when Russian troops seized key installations on the Crimean Peninsula and instigated revolts in the Donbas region. Throughout history, Ukraine has often found itself under Russian or Soviet control.

These anniversaries are grim reminders of the ongoing conflict’s toll. The exact number of casualties remains unknown, as the Ukrainian government closely guards the figures to prevent morale from plummeting. However, a civic group estimated last year that there were 24,500 combat and noncombat deaths among Ukrainians, with 15,000 individuals missing and presumed dead.

The number of Russian casualties is believed to be significantly higher, with most being combatants. The United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence estimates that 50,000 Russian soldiers and an additional 20,000 from the Wagner Group have been killed. Moreover, 240,000 Russian soldiers and 40,000 Wagner Group members have been wounded.

In the struggle against tyranny, a recent casualty was Aleksei Navalny, who died in a Russian prison. While not Ukrainian by birth, he was a staunch supporter of their cause.

The conflict has also left a deep psychological impact on the Ukrainian population, with children forced to attend schools underground and civilians living in fear of Russian bombing raids targeting urban areas at night. Many families remain separated, with mothers and children fleeing the country while fathers stay behind to fight.

Despite these hardships, the flame of Ukrainian national identity burns brightly. While morale may have waned since the early days of the war, Ukrainian forces continue to resist in the Donbas region. Sea drones have reportedly sunk or disabled a third of Russia’s Black Sea fleet, a significant blow to what retired Lt Gen Mark Herling describes as “the pride of the Russian Navy.”

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has aged visibly over the past two years, yet he remains a leader of remarkable moral fortitude and political skill. His recent diplomatic efforts, including signing a bilateral security agreement with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris and attending the Munich Security Conference in Germany to meet with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, demonstrate Europe’s continued support for Ukraine.

The brave soldiers and citizens of Ukraine persevere in their fight to defend their homeland. It is incumbent upon us to assist them in their struggle; failure to do so would not only bring shame upon us but also destabilise Europe to its core. --NCR