This photo is of Ukrainian soldiers who had just confronted Russian invaders for several hours outside their base. Note that the Ukrainians are unarmed. Lots of camo, but no guns.
It never occurred to me for a moment that an armed force might consider using *non-violent* resistance, but apparently that’s what the Ukrainian forces in Crimea are doing. Based on alleged communication intercepts, Putin has no idea what to do about it. He sent in thousands of troops with the idea that they would trigger a fight-or-flight response in the Ukrainian army. He wants them to start shooting (and provide justification for a massacre) or surrender. Instead, every single unit so far has refused to do either, and their wives have also demonstrated stunning bravery, standing as human shields between Russian forces and their outnumbered, outgunned, and undersupplied husbands.
If I’m getting this story right, it’s an incredible strategy of courage, nobility, and also genius. But I don’t know how long it can continue.
(Note: I first posted this story to my Facebook wall.)
Probably the most intelligent response, considering they are outnumbered and outgunned. Instead of risking the lives of everyone there they risk only pissing off the international community if Russia fires on unarmed people.
Eventually Russia may just bully their way in since they have the guns, and the best response Ukraine can have is simply disobedience without force of arms to prevent as many deaths as possible.
When you know you’ll lose an armed conflict, sometimes the best response is simply not much of one. Most military units don’t train for when the enemy just doesn’t really respond to your threat of arms.