Russians Fighting Against Russians for Russia
The "Free Russian Legion" should give us hope
“They Are Russians Fighting Against Their Homeland. Here’s Why.
In the Free Russia Legion, soldiers repelled by Vladimir Putin’s invasion have taken arms against their home country, engaged in some of the most heated fighting in the war.”
Hundreds of thousands of Russians have left their homeland. Many are disgusted and ashamed of their nation and it’s dictator. Others left out of fear of being drafted into a war they find abhorrent. They know they will be thrown into a conflict with little to no training. That being sent to the front is a death sentence.
But here is an aspect of the war on Ukraine that has gotten little publicity. The “Free Russian Legion” could be a force for the future. It is inspiring and encouraging. These are Russians who consider themselves patriots and who consider Putin to be a murderous dictator. They are putting their lives on the line. The front line.
This is a “gifted link” to the NY Times article describing some of the most courageous people in this conflict.
“A real Russian man doesn’t engage in such an aggressive war, won’t rape children, kill women and elderly people,” said one Russian fighter with the military call sign Caesar, ticking off atrocities committed by Russian soldiers that motivated him to leave his native St. Petersburg and fight for Ukraine. “That’s why I don’t have remorse. I do my job and I’ve killed a lot of them.”
“My task is not just to protect the people of Ukraine,” said Caesar, 50. “If I remain alive after this phase and all Ukrainian territory is liberated, I will absolutely continue fighting, with a weapon in my hand, to overthrow this Kremlin regime.”
Thank you for this link Bill. I am in awe of these people taking on the danger to fight for what they know is the right thing for themselves, their families, communities and the world.
I sure hope Russia's present government doesn't use the photos and information given in the NYT article to punish the families of these soldiers. Even if the one who both shows his full face and gives his age and other information says his family wanted him to fight on the Russian side, harsh punishment of his family would still serve the purpose of retribution which they are not above, and the even more important purpose of discouraging others from joining Ukraine's defense. Justice, in itself, would not be a reason to leave families alone. The only reason to do so would be to try to apprehend the soldiers if they return for a visit. Additionally, I wonder if there would be any legal reason not to grant these soldiers a false cover identity as a Ukrainian in case they are captured.