Russian youth is paying a high price for its aggression in Ukraine - Steve Cardownie
As I write I’m watching TV footage of the latest attacks on the civilian population of Ukraine on BBC news.
Against the backdrop of buildings on fire due to missile and drone attacks on Edinburgh’s Twin City, Kyiv, it is evident that Russia has stepped up its targeting of civilians in an effort to demoralise the Ukranian population.
The news outlet Al Jazeera reported that “Russian forces have again struck the Ukranian capital, Kyiv, hours after a drone hit the National Academy of Science in the historic centre of the city, killing at least two people.” It records that Russia has begun hitting Kyiv and other Ukranian cities with faster, high-flying jet drones.
My relatives from Kyiv, who have been living in Edinburgh after escaping the war in 2022, are becoming increasingly concerned for those left at home but I have not detected any weakening of their resolve. Quite the contrary, as they seem determined that Russia should not achieve its goal of subjugating their country come what may.
Other countries are also falling victim to Russia’s aggression with Estonia’s Prime Minister, Kristen Michal, stating, when referring to a recent arson attack in that country, “The arson attack against Milrem Robotics was ordered by Russian special services.
"This is part of Russia’s broader campaign across Europe to intimidate us and weaken our support for Ukraine. It will not work. Our response will be the opposite; stronger security at home, more support for Ukraine and greater pressure on Russia. We will not be intimidated.”
The human cost to Russia since its ill-fated invasion has been immense. British intelligence and independent monitors estimate that nearly 500,000 Russian soldiers have been killed, with total casualties (including wounded) exceeding 1.2 to 1.5 million.
And The Center for Strategic and International Studies has reported that Russia’s staggering attrition rates have resulted in historic post World War II personnel losses.
A high price indeed for Russia’s youth to pay in pursuit of a futile endeavor to occupy Ukraine and bring it under Russian control.
When will Moscow say enough is enough?