Sec 02: Is genocide happening in Ukraine? by Judi Freeman https://padlet.com/freemanjud/5lyncttbnlm4una4 How do we know that genocide is happening in Ukraine? Let's marshal some of the evidence that Yale scholar Timothy Snyder shared on that in a talk from October 2022. REMEMBER TO WRITE YOUR NAME ON YOUR POST. en-us 2022-10-30 18:08:04 UTC 2022-11-10 18:57:05 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet.com/freemanjud/5lyncttbnlm4una4/wish/2367400608 I would say going into listening to this, I disagreed with Snyder's points. However, after listening to the talk I have to agree with him. At least how he defines it, it absolutely is genocide and some of the stuff he mentions that the Russians do is disgusting:
1. Destroying water supply
2. Kidnapping children and having then adopted in Russia (Sound familiar?)
3. BRAGGING about number 2
4. Screening for fertile women and deporting them to Russia so that they will have Russian children instead of Ukrainian, effectively trying to abolish Ukraine's population

As individuals, there really isn't much we can do, and one of the traps I see a lot of people my age fall into is what is best describe as "slacktivism". If you've heard the term you know what I'm talking about. Essentially, when you pretend to care about a problem but do nothing beyond saying it exists and chiding anyone who does not pretend to care as much as you do. Although at our age and with so little influence, there really isn't much we can do. except educate ourselves. What I think the nation should do depends. The US in the past century has filled this role of the gran world police, and whether it should continue this legacy is one of the most debated topics in politics. Especially when the outcome of most wars depends not on who has more firepower, but how much the US is willing to get involved. To put it into perspective: The world's largest air force is the US Air force. Second largest? US Navy. Third largest? US Marines.

So, while the US could easily protect Ukraine and drive Russia out (Which I personally think they should do), it's more difficult in a long-term sense as to what the consequences might be.]]> 2022-11-02 21:36:13 UTC https://padlet.com/freemanjud/5lyncttbnlm4una4/wish/2367400608 Isaiah Wyatt https://padlet.com/freemanjud/5lyncttbnlm4una4/wish/2367493019 Before listening to Snyder, I didn't think what Russia was doing in Ukraine should be considered genocide, but I also didn't really know much about the situation. There were a couple of points that really convinced me what Russia is doing in Ukraine is genocide.

- Taking Ukrainian children, and bringing them to Russia to grow up Russian
- The language Putin uses when speaking about Ukraine, making it very clear he views them as less than
- Transporting Ukrainian women who can have children to Russia, growing the Russian population and shrinking the Ukrainian
- The "us and them" mindset of Russia

Each individual person can't really do much to help Ukraine. The only way real change can happen is if our entire country unites to fight with Ukraine, however that may be. I can't think of any realistic way that the average American citizen can help. In terms of America, sending them money can only do so much. All it does is push back the inevitable complete invasion of Ukraine, that is unless America and other countries do something bigger. Again, there is no obvious solution, but simply being educated just as I was after listening to Timothy Snyder helps fight against Russia.

]]> 2022-11-02 23:52:45 UTC https://padlet.com/freemanjud/5lyncttbnlm4una4/wish/2367493019 Evan Casali https://padlet.com/freemanjud/5lyncttbnlm4una4/wish/2367520394 I definitely think that what Russia is doing to the Ukrainians is genocide.  Timothy Snyder did an amazing job at proving that this is a genocide.  The way that he explained what exactly genocide was in detail in comparison to what Russia is doing really solidified for me that this is a genocide.

  • Ukrainians are being killed by the tens of thousands and their energy sources and resources are being destroyed
  • The "it's not a genocide because it doesn't feel like a genocide" mentality contributes even further to the genocide itself
  • They send Ukrainian women and children to Russia to raise them as Russian
  • The misinformation that Russia spreads about Ukrainians (they don't know who they are, they're possessed by Satan, etc.)

I think individually we can raise awareness about what Russia is doing. Though there is not a lot we can do, we can educate ourselves on this issue and help to educate others on it as well. The U.S. and the rest of the world could definitely be interfering more and help Ukraine. That's probably easier said than done though because I know that that comes with a lot of risks which I don't know a lot about.
]]> 2022-11-03 00:22:21 UTC https://padlet.com/freemanjud/5lyncttbnlm4una4/wish/2367520394 Amy Cui acui4 https://padlet.com/freemanjud/5lyncttbnlm4una4/wish/2367559530 The war in Ukraine IS genocide perpetrated by the Russians. Snyder’s logic was clear and has convinced me that Russia is committing more than just war crimes. 

  • Thousands of Ukraines are deported daily--- an estimated 4 million total (based on shameless Russian reports that also boast about the deportation, the kidnapping and the killing of thousands of Ukrainian children). 4 million is 10% of the population, for reference, it is if all of New England was deported 
  • Evidence of death pits, targeted killings, filtration camps, and torture chambers found in previously Russian occupied Ukrainian territory
  • Snyder first hand witnessing inhabitants of an entire town being held captive in terrible conditions and later dying from exhaustion or execution 
  • Screening fertile women and children to disperse them deep into Russian society in attempt of erasing Ukrainian culture and future Ukrainian children (sounds a lot like the treatment of indigenous people in the United States---1970s sterilization of native women) 

I, like many of my other classmates, find it hard to give a definite answer on what the United States should do. There are emotional barriers that make it harder for us to emphasize with Ukraine and take immediate action. There are also political barriers that foreshadow possible repercussions if we were to get involved. However one of the “simplest” tasks everyone can do today is to educate themselves; they can decide for themselves if they stand with the victims or the perpetrators. Additionally, individuals can support reliable organizations that provide aid and relief for Ukrainian refugees by donating supplies and funding. One thing I learned from the PBS Holocaust documentaries was that the U.S. and its people did a terrible job at supporting victims and refugees of the Holocaust. We made it nearly impossible for them to escape genocide. I wonder about the immigration/refugee laws this time around. What is the current visa situation in the United States and other countries in Europe? Is it just as difficult to obtain a visa now as it was nearly 90 years ago? What does that mean for Ukrainians? 

]]> 2022-11-03 00:57:47 UTC https://padlet.com/freemanjud/5lyncttbnlm4una4/wish/2367559530 Ngoc Nguyen https://padlet.com/freemanjud/5lyncttbnlm4una4/wish/2367609122 While beforehand I believed Russia's actions in Ukraine is a genocide, it was a passive sort of knowledge, where I knew about it but never thought about the implications. Listening to Snyder talk into more detail about the actions that the Russian government and military committed and continue to commit against the Ukrainian people made me realize just how horrifying the situation truly is. As Ukrainian forces continue to reclaim Russian-occupied territories in Ukraine, more and more evidence of war-crimes and terror are recovered and we can see to the full extend what the Russian military did in Ukraine.

1.) Caused a mass deportation of Ukrainian refugees numbering around 7 million, the worst Europe has seen since the Syrian refugee crisis.
2.) Intentional attacks and bombing of emergency services such as hospitals and schools.
3.) Mass graves and inhospitable conditions found in cities and towns occupied by Russian forces.
4.) Intentional kidnapping of women and children in Russia to erase Ukrainian culture and nationality.

It's easy to fall into the trap that any individual can't do anything to help Ukraine, but such a thought process is what enables genocides like this to happen: bystanders thinking that there's nothing they can do to help. With the right passion and connections, people have much more power than they think. People can start donations or organize protests to help relieve some financial burdens, or reach out through social media to spread knowledge and influence.
The United States is in a strange position currently. As a large and powerful nation, becoming more directly involved with the Russian invasion of Ukraine would lead to escalating global tensions between two superpowers once again, potentially culminating in direct conflict. What America, and much of the western world, decided to do instead was severely sanction and starve the Russian economy. This kind of indirect fighting and support is likely to be the best forms of weaponry we can offer, however my knowledge on the subject is fairly limited.]]> 2022-11-03 01:35:40 UTC https://padlet.com/freemanjud/5lyncttbnlm4una4/wish/2367609122 Valerie Dam-Nguyen https://padlet.com/freemanjud/5lyncttbnlm4una4/wish/2367647105 Yes, Russia is committing genocide on Ukraine.
- imposing measures to prevent birth within the group (UK women wouldn’t want to raise children after 🤬, fertile women scattered throughout RS so they wouldn’t raise UK children)
- transferring children from a group to another (assimilating UK children across RS)
- Escalatory - UAs must be agents of international powers because international  powers hastened to help them very fast; the more people who are to say they are UA, the more there are to kill
- We are overwhelmed with the evidence of intention → we raise the standard and want something even more shocking to prove it is genocidal

Individually, we can support refugees and share specific stories about the seriousness of this conflict. However, I am very wary of what we can encourage the US gov't to do. I honestly don't trust our government enough to support their interference (they have a pretty bad history). Even indirectly, sanctions only starve/harm common Russians who do not have any influence of Putin. Countries nearby would be even more afraid to help militarily because they are at greater risk, but they should take in refugees.

]]> 2022-11-03 02:05:40 UTC https://padlet.com/freemanjud/5lyncttbnlm4una4/wish/2367647105 Alex von Kries avonkries https://padlet.com/freemanjud/5lyncttbnlm4una4/wish/2367658227 I believe that the events currently taking place in Russia are definitely genocide. On a surface level, it may not seem like a genocide, but the Russians are enacting certain policies and taking certain actions that are definitely an attempt to kill both Ukrainian people and their culture. They are actively trying to erase them from the world.

1. The Russians are actively trying to diffuse and erase Ukrainian culture by splitting up families and sending them into Russia so they lose their sense of Ukrainian identities.
2. The Russians are actively deporting large numbers of Ukrainians daily, another attempt at erasing the Ukrainian people as a whole.
3. The massive propaganda machine that the Russians are running is actively dehumanizing Ukrainians to Russian citizens, which is a very common tactic used to generate support for genocidal regimes.
4. There is evidence of mass graves, execution sites, and other structures traditionally found in land where genocide was taking place.

Discussions about what the United States and the individuals who live here can do are more complicated. We can obviously educate ourselves about what is happening there and advocate within our own country, but that realistically won't do much. That's not to say that these are bad things, they just won't change very much in my personal opinion. It is up to the world leaders everywhere to make sure that Russia is receiving adequate punishment for what they are doing in Ukraine. The way the conflict is going, it looks like there is going to be a relatively favorable outcome compared to original expectations. However, if we want Russia to stop ASAP then we need everyone to stop supporting them, which is very unlikely. I think the best solution is that as many countries as possible cease trade with Russia and impose sanctions, as many have already done. Engaging in direct conflict is definitely not the solution, which means just trying to make Russia's ability to continue with the war harder seems like the best solution.]]> 2022-11-03 02:13:29 UTC https://padlet.com/freemanjud/5lyncttbnlm4una4/wish/2367658227 Elisabeth van Reijendam https://padlet.com/freemanjud/5lyncttbnlm4una4/wish/2367669549 Especially after listening to Snyder's talk, I definitely think what's happening in Ukraine is genocide. Every point Snyder lays out clearly matches the criteria for genocide as formed by the UN Genocide Convention in 1948. As he mentions in his talk, the more Ukraine takes back land from Russian advances, the more evidence there is of atrocities. He also makes it very clear that Russia is not hiding its intentions at all, especially when it comes to propaganda. 
1. The war fulfills the criteria "killing members of the group" through evidence of executions, death pits, targeted killings, and filtration camps which have been found in the villages in towns Ukrainian forces have reclaimed
2. Russia meets the "dehumanizing" classification by claiming that Ukrainians do not exist and are mentally ill or possessed by Satan and therefore do not know they are Russian. Putin claims that they belong no where and therefore must be killed as they are not from there and have been corrupted by international powers
3. Russian officials excuse their actions through exceptionalist language, which states that Russia is the last hope a fractured world, and therefore any action taken by them is excused, and is good
4. Russia deliberately inflicts harm by destroying Ukrainian cities, and restricting water, food, and electricity in occupied areas, which they openly admit to

I think individually, the best thing to do is be educated on what is happening. Especially now that it has been going on for several months, the war has faded from many people's minds and they have become less aware of what is happening. If people understand what's at stake, they are more likely to then support government action or charities which aid Ukraine. While I understand that direct US involvement militarily is not feasible due to the threat of nuclear war, the US should definitely continue if not increase it's financial and political support of Ukraine. The EU and other countries around Ukraine, as well as the US, should support refugees and provide housing and services. Whatever measures are taken directly against Russia however, should target those in power and less so the general public. As the oligarchs in charge are the ones carrying out these atrocities, they should be the primary target of sanctions or other measures taken. Ukrainian forces are exceeding the expectations of the global community, but in order for that to continue, especially as winter comes, they will need the continued support of the rest of the world.]]> 2022-11-03 02:22:04 UTC https://padlet.com/freemanjud/5lyncttbnlm4una4/wish/2367669549 Angelina Podolsky https://padlet.com/freemanjud/5lyncttbnlm4una4/wish/2367677518 I think that the war in Ukraine is genocide. The definition of genocide, according to Snyder, is the discrimination of a group of people based on a part of their identity.  People become bystanders and are constantly letting this genocide happen further by ignoring it, acting like they cannot do anything about it. 
- How there are mass graves in cities that Russian forces took over. 
-  Russia = narcissistic classification by claiming that invading Ukraine is "de-satanization" "de-nazification".
- Russia = colonial classification by trying to prove that since at one point in history a very long time ago, Russia and Ukraine were united, Russia BELONGS to Ukraine and they need to defend their "unity".
- Intention: how we keep pushing away the definition of genocide from this war because we want something more intense to prove this.

I think that individually, we should educate ourselves more about the war in Ukraine. Keeping up with the current information is very important. The US/rest of the world should try to emphasize the significance of this war, and educate people about it, at schools, work, public media, etc. Action should be taken to help Ukraine survive this. 
]]> 2022-11-03 02:28:26 UTC https://padlet.com/freemanjud/5lyncttbnlm4una4/wish/2367677518 Elektra Chodkowski https://padlet.com/freemanjud/5lyncttbnlm4una4/wish/2367735847 I believe that what is happening in Ukraine is definitely genocide perpetrated by the Russians. Especially after listening to Snyder, the evidence is undeniable, as all the subcrimes of genocide are taking place. By not acknowledging this as a genocide, people that just try to be bystanders are actually contributing to the genocide of Ukrainians even more. Throughout history, genocides have been erased and forgotten because of denial or oblivion, but the survivors never forget all the horrific crimes that have been committed, like the crimes that are being committed today by Russians.
  1. The war is responsible for taking the lives of hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians, whether it was by bombings, targetted killings, and filtration camps. There are also death pits and torture chambers found in villages and cities, fulfilling the definion of genocide involving “killing members of the group” and “bodily/mental harm”.
  2. Russians have deported 4 million people, which is 10% of Ukraine’s population. They have also boasted about kidnapping and deporting Ukrainian children, bringing them to Russia to grow up Russian instead of Ukrainian. 
  3. Using systemic 🤬 as a form of ethnic cleansing, as Ukrianian women would not want to have Ukrainian children after the trauma of 🤬. Fertile women and children were also sent to Russia and into Russian culture in an attempt to erase Ukrainian culture.
  4. Misinformation is a major source of justification. One of the justifications for the genocide of Ukrainians is that Russia and Ukraine are united by the will of God, and since Urkaine wants to separate, it is possessed by Satan. Putin has also told Russians that Ukrainians are just mentally ill Russians that can only be cured by violence.
Individually, I would say that all we can do is spread awareness and not let the atrocities that are taking place be ignored or forgotten. Snyder mentioned the numbness that we as outsiders can feel towards the news, but we can’t dismiss what’s going on just because we’ve heard of worse. It’s hard to say what the U.S. and the rest of the world should do. The U.S. has a lot of resources, and I think the best that we can do is send support to Ukraine as well as have more widespread education about the war. I also think that the U.S. and other countries should continue to make the effort to cut off Russia, as it will hopefully indirectly make Russia’s attacks on Ukraine more difficult. 
]]> 2022-11-03 03:16:04 UTC https://padlet.com/freemanjud/5lyncttbnlm4una4/wish/2367735847 Katherine Martin https://padlet.com/freemanjud/5lyncttbnlm4una4/wish/2367744387 I believe that Russia is committing genocide on the people of Ukraine.

-Russia has deported large numbers of Ukrainians
-Russia spreads propaganda about the Ukrainians and spreads the idea that they are lesser than
-Deporting pregnant women so they birth Russian instead of Ukrainian babies
-Russia took over mass graves

I think that the US and UN should help Ukraine, at least financially, and support them in the fight against their Russian oppressors. It is impossible for the UN to get involved militarily because Russia is in the Security Council and NATO can't get involved without starting a World War, but they should still help Ukraine in whatever, non-military, ways possible. I think that we, as individuals, can't do much to help those thousands of miles away, but we can remain educated and vote people into power who promise to help the Ukrainians.]]> 2022-11-03 03:23:38 UTC https://padlet.com/freemanjud/5lyncttbnlm4una4/wish/2367744387 Phaidon Athanasopoulos https://padlet.com/freemanjud/5lyncttbnlm4una4/wish/2367772661 I believe that there is a genocide happening in Ukraine perpetrated by the Russians. Timothy Snyder very clearly outlined what constitutes a genocide and was able to connect such criteria to the atrocities happening in the country. 

- The mass graves discovered in previously Russian-controlled areas.

- The mass deportation of Ukrainians as part of an effort to eradicate Ukrainian culture and identity (4 million deported as of now).

- The tremendous amount of Russian propaganda labeling the Ukrainians as evil and the Russians as heroes (Russia claimed to have entered Ukraine in order to "de-nazify" the country).

- The abduction of many children and pregnant woman and bringing them to Russia so the children can grow up there.

I believe that we in the United States should be well informed and stay current with the situation that is unfolding in Ukraine. One of the central points of the PBS documentary was that misinformation and the manipulation of the truth leads to inaction. The misinformation that was being spread during the Holocaust is a clear example of that, with the resulting delayed responses from the US and other global powers having real world consequences for many. As a country, the US (along with many other countries) is giving aid in forms of money and military equipment that is helping Ukrainian soldiers on the front lines. This has seemingly helped tremendously, hence why the US continues to do so. But as a people, not only of the United States but of the world, we must not forget what is happening in Ukraine. Towards the beginning of his talk, Snyder mentioned that many genocides are forgotten because of lack of documentation and suppression of information. It is now our job to make sure that this genocide is never forgotten.]]> 2022-11-03 03:48:14 UTC https://padlet.com/freemanjud/5lyncttbnlm4una4/wish/2367772661 Jeilyn Martinez https://padlet.com/freemanjud/5lyncttbnlm4una4/wish/2367782137 I think what is happening in Ukraine is genocide perpetrated by the Russians especially after listening to Snyder. All aspects of the legal definition of genocide are seen within Ukraine and in the attitudes of the Russians. When you notice the actions occurring within the country the treatment of civilians and their cities is very harmful and deliberate. Ukrainians are constantly dehumanized and connected to satin by the Russians and also actively restricted from necessities and exposed to executions.

- Mental harm is done to Ukrainians when torcher chambers are inflicted by Russians or when more than 4 million of them are deported from their homeland.
- Russians deliberately destroy Ukrainians' way of life by destroying cities and restricting access to things like energy.
- There are measures being taken to prevent the birth of Ukrainian children. For example, fertile women are sent to Russia to have Russian babies instead of Ukrainian babies.
- Russians fall into the category of apologists because of how they deny involvement in a specific past crime to redirect people's views of their current actions. They highlight how mass political famine was due to nature, suggesting that the lack of resources and hunger present in Ukraine now during the war is also due to nature. Such denial only affirms that such crimes happened and/or are occurring.

We as individuals should be knowledgeable of the atrocities happening in Ukraine and understand that genocide is taking place. If we as an individual or as a country act as a bystander we are ultimately supporting the perpetrator. The U.S itself has many resources and should continue to support Ukraine. I think the civilians impacted by these conditions should be helped and find sanctions. ]]> 2022-11-03 03:56:34 UTC https://padlet.com/freemanjud/5lyncttbnlm4una4/wish/2367782137 Fiona Yuan fyuan3 https://padlet.com/freemanjud/5lyncttbnlm4una4/wish/2367907344 Ukraine's situation with Russia IS genocide. The situation is comparative with the Holocaust, which we know today as a strong example of what a genocide is and can be. Not only are the lives of Ukrainian people endangered, but there is also cultural genocide as Putin tries to erase Ukrainian nationalism and identity.

A couple pieces of evidence that stood out to me:
- Russian soldiers on Ukrainian land would sometime 🤬 Ukrainian women, and this can be used as a tactic to discourage Ukrainian women from having children because they would be reminded of their traumatic experience. With fewer Ukrainian offspring, Russia would be slowly eliminating the Ukrainian people.
- In addition, women in Ukraine were often deported to Russia to "prevent the birth of Ukrainian children, but also allow the birth of Russian children." Separating women from their homeland and bringing them to another culture to assimilate into is essentially, the genocide of the Ukrainian race.
- As for intent, Ukraine is described as an agent of international powers. They are  "satanistic" and either have to be "cured" or destroyed because they don't know who they truly are--Russians. 
- Russia thinks that they are the only unspoiled world, and that other countries are tainted and spoiled. Therefore, no matter what they do, even if seems genocide-like, it is right because they are blessed to cure other nations. This is an element of fascism, compelling Russia to wipe out the Ukrainians.

Individually, we need to educate ourselves more on this issue. While it's important to keep up with the news and to tap into media outlets, much of the more passive ways of genocide (deportation to Russia) aren't elaborated upon as much and don't always make their ways across mainstream media. We've all been desensitized to this war because there's always so much that's happening, but we also have to recognize that what's happening now is similar to current-day Holocaust, and that we need to pay attention to it. For the U.S. and the rest of the war, it's important that they support Ukraine in their war efforts and to make sure they're sending out correct and updated information to their people on the Ukraine situation.]]> 2022-11-03 06:07:15 UTC https://padlet.com/freemanjud/5lyncttbnlm4una4/wish/2367907344 Lauren O'Brien https://padlet.com/freemanjud/5lyncttbnlm4una4/wish/2368318064 - I think the Russian vs Ukrainian war should be considered an attempt at genocide. It's not just a war, Russians are killing Ukrainians in large amounts with a goal of directly and purposefully erasing Ukrainian culture. 

- Russia is killing civilians
- kidnapping Ukrainian women and children
- bombing of hospitals
- overall general mindset that Russian is superior to Ukraine

All of this further proves that Russia is not just trying to win a war against Ukraine but to conquer and erase Ukraine as a whole. What else is this but genocide?

The US has a bad history of interfering with conflicts that are not ours not for heroic or moral reasons but for our own selfish gain. As of right now Ukraine is doing pretty well in the war and other countries have been taking in refugees. This is good, and I think more countries should open their borders to both Ukrainian and Russian refugees (a good amount of Russians are actually very against the war and are harmed by it as well ex. the draft, just obviously not to the same extent as Ukrainians) as well as provide relief funds and financial assistance to Ukraine. As individuals we can donate to that effort. But it's a complicated situation, should we send troops into Ukraine, possibly sacrificing the lives of our own people? I think yes but I can understand why some people would disagree. Also, the threat of war with Russia has been hanging over our heads for a while and admittedly it would not be easy. I think since Ukraine wanted to join NATO, NATO countries owe it to Ukraine to step in. We need to let Russia and other countries know this modern age attempt at colonization will not be tolerated by any means. But do our officials and leaders feel the same, when they benefit from the colonization of nations they had no right to be in? It might be hypocritical of us to fight Russia but that issue aside we could be saving the lives of Ukrainians and we aren't. We should make an effort to welcome Ukrainians fleeing the conflict (historically we are terrible at helping refugees) and educate ourselves about the war (not everyone knows as much as we are taught here at BLS). The WORST thing we can be is unempathetic and uneducated]]> 2022-11-03 12:09:43 UTC https://padlet.com/freemanjud/5lyncttbnlm4una4/wish/2368318064 Nerla Ottinot https://padlet.com/freemanjud/5lyncttbnlm4una4/wish/2368358463 I think that what is happening in Ukraine is genocide perpetrated by the Russians. After listening to Snyder I do believe the actions of the Russians do align with that definition of genocide. 

- The Russians are trying to diffuse and erase the Ukrainian culture. 
- the abduction of children and bringing them to Russia so they can grow up there.
- Ukrainian women be raped so that they wouldn't want to raise Ukrainian children. 
- mass graves were discovered in areas that were controlled by the Russians

As a whole, we need to educate ourselves about this issue. In the beginning, people were more concerned but as it started to die down in the media people just treated it like it was over, which it clearly is not. Since it's not actively happening to us it feels like it's not our responsibility but we need to help the Ukrainians. But doing nothing we're supporting the Russians in this genocide. The U.S and many other countries have many resources that could help, and potentially put an end to this genocide. Every day so many people are dying and losing loved ones, and they are in unimaginable situations. ]]> 2022-11-03 12:37:20 UTC https://padlet.com/freemanjud/5lyncttbnlm4una4/wish/2368358463 Liam Brady https://padlet.com/freemanjud/5lyncttbnlm4una4/wish/2368545806 I do think that the events taking place in Ukraine right now should be considered a genocide. Russia is clearly trying to erase Ukrainians from the planet to seize land that Russia believes they deserve. They are clearly not only waging a war, but are also trying to cleanse Ukrainian ethnic and national identity from the region, so that they can control it easier.

Important pieces of evidence proving this that clearly show the intent, as well as the actions taken by the Russian government:
- The abduction of Ukrainian children and women from their homeland to Russia, a place they have never visited, and probably have no family from. This is clearly just making it so these Ukrainian children are being removed from their culture, slowly killing their national identity.
- State led propaganda convincing Russians that the Ukrainians, in order for people to think of them as almost less than human so that there will be less contraversy in Russia about the steps that the government took against the Ukrainians.
- Mass killings of civilians, shown by mass graves and execution sites, show how Russia has used the killing of civilians to cleanse people that they see as "less than". Even people that were not fighting back have been killed, just so that there are fewer Ukrainians, making it easier for Russia to completely erase Ukraine.
- Russia is clearly attacking water and electricity plants, making it very difficult for civilians to survive, especially now with winter approaching. Russia is very clearly not only attacking military targets, but also schools and hospitals, showing how he literally doesn't care about civilian life, and just wants to kill as many Ukrainians as he can.

Individually, we can become more informed about the conflict, as well as helping to maintain the public opinion that the US helping Ukraine is good. Right now, the US is being incredibly positive in this conflict, as they are not only sending massive amounts of military assistance in the form of weapons and defense systems, but they are also providing intelligence to the Ukraine government, telling them where military targets are. This is probably as far as the US, as well as the rest of NATO and the EU, should go, as a direct fight between NATO and Russia could very easily escalate to much worse outcomes. It is also very positive to continue to completely isolate Russia economically as much as possible. As much as Russia tries to retain a very strong visage, they are very weak economically, especially when nobody is buying their gas, so continuing this can help pressure them into letting up their attack on Ukraine. In general, as long as the US continues to help Ukraine as they are right now, that is very good, and as long as the US government understands that their citizens also support their actions, it will continue.]]> 2022-11-03 14:20:58 UTC https://padlet.com/freemanjud/5lyncttbnlm4una4/wish/2368545806 grisbely o https://padlet.com/freemanjud/5lyncttbnlm4una4/wish/2368562577 What is happening Ukraine right now is genocide. The dictionary definition of genocide perfectly describes these crimes, “It is acts that are committed to destroy, in whole or in part, a national group, race or religion.” Some might think of genocide and think of the Holocaust, then they might compare the two to determine what is genocide. The devastation were different in some areas but that doesn't make either one less significant in history. 

  • Bombing of Hospitals 
  • Russian soldiers using 🤬 as a tool of war
  • attempting to erase Ukrainian culture

This situation is so much bigger than just a war, bigger than one country wanting to have control over another. Russia wants to erase Ukrainians,  get rid of its history. Putin is dehumanizing every single Ukrainian, refusing to them 🤬 people with families, a culture, and lives. The were compared to Satan just to make Russia feel that their horrid actions are justified and that Ukrainians are in the wrong. We as a nation should not be bystanders and just watch yet another genocide occur. Getting involved isn't the problem, but to the extent that we decided to intervene, and not for the country's gain, could put the US at danger. As individuals however, educating ourselves and spreading awareness will always be one of the best ways to try to do something. One person can make a big difference, so imagine what we all could do if we all took initiative.

]]> 2022-11-03 14:30:02 UTC https://padlet.com/freemanjud/5lyncttbnlm4una4/wish/2368562577 Lily Russo https://padlet.com/freemanjud/5lyncttbnlm4una4/wish/2369308920 After listening to Snyder's lecture, I believe that what's happening in Ukraine is genocide.  He clearly illustrates how practically every aspect of the legal definition of genocide is visible in Ukraine.
Four examples of the evidence that Snyder cited that stood out to me were these:
1. The fact that measures to prevent the birth of Ukrainian children, Russia wanting to seemingly erase their culture through transporting fertile Ukrainian women to Russian soil so that their children would be considered Russian rather than Ukrainian were often taken.
2. That there are mass graves in Ukrainian areas that Russian forces took over.
3. The attitude of many Russians towards Ukrainians, using dehumanizing language, often associating them with Satan or claiming that they do not exist entirely, and stating that Russia is the 'savior' and therefore their actions will always be good.
4. The fact that public buildings are deliberately being targeted for bombings, often being Hospitals.
Individually, I think that we need to educate ourselves on this issue. At the beginning of the war, the world was paying much more attention than it seems to be now, despite the fact that there is overwhelming evidence that Putin is actively trying to erase Ukrainian culture and identity. We need to help the Ukrainians and work to actively fight against Russia in this genocide, as doing nothing and denying the genocide happening is effectively the same as aiding Russia. The US should continue to support Ukraine during this conflict, as it is now as it is giving aid in money and military equipment. As a nation, we must not forget the significance of this war and we should work to educate people on the issue as well as continuing to aid Ukraine.

]]> 2022-11-04 00:40:18 UTC https://padlet.com/freemanjud/5lyncttbnlm4una4/wish/2369308920 https://padlet.com/freemanjud/5lyncttbnlm4una4/wish/2379139858 matt phelan
The war waged in Ukraine by Russia is legally genocide, as is demonstrated by the actions of the Russian military in Ukraine. Important pieces of evidence that support this is the assimilation of Ukrainian women and children into Russian society, with the intention of making them Russian and the violent attack on Ukrainian culture, essentially criminalizing it, as well as the framing of Ukrainians as "lesser beings" or 🤬. These actions, as well as a clear disregard for Ukrainian sovereignty make it clear that a genocide is occuring. 

As for what the rest of the world can do, it is essential to understand the West's history of not only "intervention" and imperialism, but also conflict with Russia. If the West were to more explicitly intervene (do more than simply sending aid/weapons), it would likely be in service of imperialism and NATO, rather than for Ukrainian liberation. The proxy nature of the West sending weapons, but allowing Ukrainian bodies to bear the brunt of the war, coupled with Ukraine's involvement with reactionary, nationalist groups adds a complication to what should be done. For now, it is important to understand the war and its interests, as well as stand in solidarity with Ukrainian political prisoners, while not falling into imperialist ideologies. 

]]> 2022-11-10 18:57:05 UTC https://padlet.com/freemanjud/5lyncttbnlm4una4/wish/2379139858