I’ve learned a lot of things since Russia invaded Ukraine. Our world changed a lot on February 21st. I’ve spent quite a bit of time surfing through Twitter, reading posts from people who are inside Ukraine. Reading messages from missionaries, citizens, soldiers, etc. What was even more fascinating, was reading posts from Russian soldiers.

Don’t get me wrong, the Russian invasion of Ukraine is tragic. If you filter through the needless Twitter noise, there is a consistent theme amongst Ukrainians. A theme of peace, hope, and unity. When the cameras get turned on the people of Russia, the dialog is very much the same. The people of Russia spoke of peace, and how they loved Russia but they loved peace more.

Growing up as a child of the 1980’s, the Cold War wasn’t a thought that crossed my mind. My friends and I were busy playing with Transformers and G.I. Joes, and everything Russia(or Soviet Union) was the enemy. Whether it was in movies, comic books, television, or toys, Russia was always the enemy. In many cases, that sentiment still exists today.

Early this morning it hit me.Living in the digital age, everyone has a device in their hand.During wartime, we’re seeing photos and videos that come out of Ukraine.It’s incomprehensible to think that the face of war has changed so much since the second Gulf War.Now, before the news is reported by governments, media, or press, we see it captured live by people who are there.And we watch it on the devices in our hands.During wartime, governments will be held accountable by citizens and soldiers on the ground.

There will always be disagreements and there will always be conflicts.I understand that the interviews coming out of Russia and Ukraine was a small sampling of people, but the vast majority of citizens were against war. So much so, that they put their lives on the line across Russia in protest.We all bleed red, we all put one foot in-front of the other just trying to get by.Maybe my early thoughts on ‘everything Russia’ was wrong.Maybe the people here in the states and the people in Russia really aren’t that different.

Dalcon DeMaranville
Geneseo Current