Nonviolent regime change in Russia would pave the path to peace. But is that even possible? jonahshepp writes
A woman walks past billboards bearing images of Vladimir Putin with the messages “Russia does not start wars, it ends them” and “We will aim for the demilitarization and denazification of Ukraine” on March 4 in Simferopol, Crimea.
It should be clear to Putin by now that the Ukrainians will absolutely not allow him to turn their country back into a Russian vassal state, no matter how much damage the invasion does. Yet it is hard to see him pulling his forces out of Ukraine without his desired pound of flesh. As the unstoppable force of Putin’s intransigence meets the immovable object of the Ukrainian people’s resolve, the outcome will be an endless stream of bloodshed and destruction.
Despite increasingly draconian laws making it more difficult and dangerous to protest, thousands of Russians have been taking to the streets to demonstrate against the war in Ukraine . On Sunday, more than 4,600 people were detained at demonstrations in at least 65 Russian cities, and more than 13,000 protesters have been detained nationwide since the war began, according to the rights group OVD-Info.
There is some cause for hope, however, in that the Kremlin’s obsession with choking off anti-war sentiment belies a real fear that the truth will out. Even if only from exile, independent journalists continue to report facts and try to overcome Putin’s firewall of bullshit. Western governments and companies should do everything they can to help those messages get through.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Iran's ally Russia may spoil nuclear talks to keep oil price highThe main parties to the Iran nuclear talks indicated that an agreement was close, until an unlikely hurdle emerged. Russia, which has largely stood by Iran in its conflict with the West, said that its own national interests would have to be taken into account for a deal to go through.
Read more »
Russia-Ukraine live updates: Thousands trapped in Mariupol as Russia shells escape routePeople in Irpin, Ukraine, flee amid shelling as Russia's war on the eastern European country continues. LIVE UPDATES:
Read more »
Russia-Ukraine updates: Zelenskyy says Russia openly announcing 'planned atrocity'Over 1 million Ukrainian refugees have fled to Poland since the Russian invasion, Poland's Border Guard said on Sunday.
Read more »
Russia-Ukraine live updates: Ukraine denounces proposed evacuation corridors to Russia, BelarusLocal Ukrainian leaders said there was no confirmation of a temporary cease-fire as Vladimir Putin's military continued its attacks.
Read more »
Local interfaith prayer meeting stirs hope for peace between Russia, UkrainePRAYERS FOR UKRAINE 🇺🇦 | An interfaith service was held this morning at Jacksonville Beach, sending prayers to Ukrainians and collecting money to send to refugees who have been forced to flee their homes.
Read more »
Third round of peace talks makes little progress between Ukraine, RussiaA third set of peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine ended Monday evening with no major moves toward ending the 12-day war.
Read more »