The modern democratic world fears even the very definition of “World War III”. The international community does not want to acknowledge the fact that the war unleashed by Russia has long gone beyond the boundaries of a regional conflict.
Despite all the statements, support and decision, the position of Ukraine's allies (except perhaps Great Britain) still remains discreetly cautious.Stanislav Bezushko on the IQ platformanalyzed who should be responsible for the war against Ukraine. p>
Why was Russia not punished as the successor of the USSR
The system of treaties and restrictions after the First World War, which the countries insisted on- winners, actually created the conditions for the emergence of Hitler and the beginning of World War II.
After which, despite the loud verdicts of the Nuremberg trials, the winners showed that it is always possible to agree. And only those who survived and remained in Germany, or significant and most public figures, received punishment. Former Nazis were used in their work by Russians, British, French and Americans, the author notes.
Pay attention!The leaders of the USSR, being in the coalition of winners, were not punished for inciting the Second World War. The war against Finland and the joint attack on Poland with Hitler also remained without censure and punishment. There was no punishment for crimes in the countries of the socialist camp after the Second World War. In a strange way, after the collapse of the USSR, it instantly became “democratic” Russia, which everyone “on faith” perceived as a direct successor in international security structures. In fact, the Kremlin, when leaving the bipolar system, was not only “saved face”, but also considered worthy to remain in the UN Security Council with the right of veto. This happened because of the unwillingness after the collapse of the USSR to reform the barely living system of international security. Most of the world's influential leaders have taken an irresponsible stance and turned a blind eye instead of condemning the old Soviet system. p>When we talk about punishing Russia as the legal successor of the USSR, we should not focus only on Putinov and individual leaders. Those who are in the shadows should also be punished. They create the system and are responsible for its reproduction and functioning. And here we are already talking about thousands of people who actively participated in the preparation of the attack on Ukraine, gave commands and were executors.
That is why we need to talk about the responsibility of the Russians for this war, and not personalize about the environment of the leader. It will not be enough just to change the system of power in Russia or the leaders. This time, international institutions should punish not only leaders and those who gave orders at the highest level. Also, do not reduce punishment to a one-time demonstration act.
Everyone who killed, raped, robbed is punished without a statute of limitations, even if they are a hundred years old. Criminals must understand that punishment is mandatory and inevitable.
How to punish Russia
After the capitulation and punishment of the leadership, it is not worth immediately pouring money into the Russian economy and again making it an equal partner and member of international organizations. On the contrary, Russia must lose its status and influence. It is also not worth hiding behind concern for residents and vulnerable categories of the population. Does it make sense to worry about a country that earns hundreds of billions on oil and gas, but does not worry about its citizens, who are also “happy with everything”? It's just that the citizens of Russia need to be given conditions for the development and construction of new democratic institutions. The punishment of the current Russian government is the chance that creates new conditions for democratic reforms.
If you want to punish Russia, you need to consider two more important levels:
- No one pushed or provoked Russia into this war . The decision to attack and attack a neighboring sovereign country was solely her decision.
- We should also not forget who helped Russia create favorable conditions for aggression. This applies to both the international community and part of the Ukrainian political community.
Angela Merkel now talks about how she tried to buy time for Ukraine to become stronger . On the one hand, yes – we used this time to become stronger. On the other hand, European and world leaders simply did not want to punish Russia for its crimes, and it was easier for them to freeze the conflict. Ukrainians had to become stronger on their own without the help of international partners.
Most of the world leaders did not even take seriously the resolution of the conflict and were not going to really stop Russia and hold it accountable. This was well understood in the Kremlin and therefore had no reservations about the next act of attack. Unfortunately, we have to admit that in the event of a rapid seizure of Ukraine, no one would have punished Russia.
Moreover, some world leaders have resigned themselves to the fact that Ukraine will have to be exchanged for their own temporary security and peace. It seemed to them that all problems could be solved in this way. However, Ukrainians did not and do not think so. We have already changed the world system of counterweights. But the fact remains that the criminal inaction of world leaders and international security organizations must be punished for their actions. Russia failed because the Ukrainians were strong. But China in another region of the planet can succeed. The precedent of reaction to the war in Ukraine can be used in the future. Because if the world continues to remain so “loose” – China will have its own 3 – 5 days to win.
You need to punish not only separatists or collaborators
That is why it is so important to bring to justice all those who contributed to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. And this does not apply only to separatists or collaborators. Politicians, civil servants, journalists and even artists need to understand their responsibility.
Promoting Russian narratives in Ukraine for years and then singing a song in Ukrainian will not be an indulgence. It doesn't have to be judgments. Court decisions should be against state functionaries, politicians and military commanders. For public figures, there should be at least a moment of public recognition and forgiveness for their actions. And here the society itself should put pressure on such figures. Instead of rejoicing that a person switched to Ukrainian in the ninth year of the war, whether he began to say that the Russians are bad or “enrolled in the TRO in absentia.”
You also need to realize the difference between “provoked” and “contributing”. Russia does not need to be provoked, it can justify its any inadequate actions. Facilitation is when you deliberately promote Russian narratives and weaken Ukrainian society. If you do not recognize the fact of war, do not contribute to strengthening the defense.
It should be remembered that all these processes are interconnected. Awareness of guilt and responsibility gives rise to adequate and understandable further steps. Responsibility is a sign of growing up. We have matured and should be responsible in everything we do.
The international community should also not look at the world because of dark or rose-colored glasses. The modern world is still about fierce competition for resources, the struggle of various radical ideologies, and the opportunity for dictators and psychopaths to lead countries and influence the world order. The threat to any country is not abstract – it is real.
At the moment, a conventional kamikaze drone in the hands of an inadequate country leader can kill hundreds of people in the center of any world capital. You do not need to have a million-strong army to attack any country and destroy its infrastructure. You don't have to be a dictator in Africa or Asia to be a danger to the whole world. The international system of control and balance must change and show that the punishment for crimes will be for everyone and in any conditions.
