Long discussion would be required here, but the answer is, it depends. They can certainly be used for manual labor that is in their own interest, such as building their own barracks, growing their own food, etc. They can absolutely not be used for projects that further their enemy’s war efforts. Lots of grey areas in between.
Could they be used to "clean up" damaged buildings, remove debris, etc., that was caused by their war efforts?
Another set of Russian strikes on Ukraine infrastructure. It’s frustrating we/the west can’t provide air defenses faster. Russia hits more power facilities across Ukraine - BBC News
"Mr. Putin has promised many things, including to make Russia an attractive place to live by 2020. Instead, millions of Russians have left and settled in the West. Russia’s economy remains largely dependent on oil and gas—and gross domestic product per capita income has fallen nearly 60% since 2013. Mr. Putin is obsessed by the Russian gene, which he labels “special” and “endangered.” He invaded Ukraine in part to increase the Slavic population of Russia by incorporating the Ukrainians, whom he considers “Little Russians.” This attitude, together with Mr. Putin’s aspirations for “Russian world” in which all Russian speakers are united under Moscow’s rule, bears strong resemblance to 1930s Germany. It’s why Moscow has been kidnapping and transferring people—particularly children—from occupied Ukrainian territories to Russia." Putin’s War in Ukraine May Destroy Russia - WSJ
I’m not a lawyer, but my answer is, I think so. I know we used German and Japanese POWs as clean-up crews. The distinction might be that was to clean up their own territory, not formerly occupied territories, for instance.
It will be interesting to see if, assuming that Ukraine wins this war by driving Russia out of their territory, how many of the children get returned, or what leverage Ukraine has to get the children back.
Do you really think Putin cares at this point, after all the other atrocities? The rapes, kidnappings, the attacks on hospitals and schools, etc.?
How about DD sharing a prison cell with a Russian convict who hasn't had a woman in several years? Will that do?
I’m usually not super vindictive but I’d shed no tears. DD is actively supporting a monster in Putin and he’s cheerleading the murder, rape and general genocide of the Ukrainian people. Not sure if he’s a troll or Russian but it’s unacceptable. I frequent a much more aggressive potitical forum on a sailing site. It’s about the same ratio of MAGATS to center left/right people but almost anything goes name calling, memes etc. eventually though folks like DD get the boot.
Nice. I used to be active on sailnet back in the day. I can imagine what the off topics look like on both forums nowadays....
I would like to think they care. I fear they do not. It would be typical of the mindset and the actions taken by their new commander. He has no problems committing war crimes. See Aleppo for the mindset of the man now in charge. Squeeze the population. Destroy their infrastructure and their food supplies. Scorched earth. Destroying the damn removes irrigation supplies for much of their food production and cuts hydropower from the damn . Russia has adopted a new approach to the war and the west is slow to respond right now so while Ukraine may be gaining ground and winning battles, Russia may be winning the war if they can continue to make Ukraine an inhabitable, barren landscape with no energy, clean water, or food. A few nuclear power plant meltdowns may be next on their agenda.
Are you advocating for concentration camps? Someone who hasn't raised a finger to you or anyone else on this board and you want to put them in a jail cell? There will always be differences of opinion and I have to wonder if DD would advocate the same for you. Don't get me wrong as I certainly understand all of the rah rah business and I certainly understand advocating a position in this conflict. If anything myself and others such as DD have provided insights into the war and Putin's actions that are slowly destroying Europe, Ukraine and the global economy. Whether Ukraine survives is still up in the air. One thing is perfectly clear this war will not end tomorrow and as Kherson is evacuated and Ukraine infrastructure is destroyed the ultimate battle for Kherson is yet to be waged.
This is what comes from living in an information bubble. And a very small bubble at that. Months ago Zelensky fired his minister for fabricating this Russian mass-rape narrative. Apparently some lies are too outlandish even for the Ukrainians.
Yeah “Insights”. that’s one way to reference defending our enemy’s state strategy of war crimes - rape ,torture and murder of women and children. and overall wanting a policy of appeasement to a terrorist state.
He’s not even providing “insight” since all media has been speculating Putin’s moves, including citing the Aleppo example (laying waste to civilian infrastructure) or even speculation as to whether the deranged imp would resort to using nukes. He’s literally adding nothing, except playing up the costs angle from our end (as if it’s been cost free inside Russia). It seems at the moment attention is focused on whether they will blow the damn and destroy crop lands, I’m inclined to think they very likely will considering the move to evacuate the area (which I don’t think is coincidental). While they are mostly concerned with evacuating Russian speakers, they will probably play up their efforts to spare lives before destroying the dam, or even blaming it on Ukraine. Meanwhile who knows the fate of kidnapped Ukrainian civilians. That would be a terrible act, but perhaps debatable as to whether it’s a legit military tactic given it is on the front line. I don’t see how anyone can make that case for their broader attacks on civilian infrastructure which is 100% terrorism. No military power in the world resorts to those tactics.
I don't know what is so hard to understand about war. Everything you mention comes with it. The world abhors it no doubt yet they are willing participants when it happens. All of this will continue until a resolution arrives be it diplomatic or victory by one side or the other. What is clear is promoting a war regardless of which side you agree/disagree with when all is said and done we will have to live with results.
