Video shows Russian soldiers refusing to fight in Ukraine

[BeyondGeography]

[Warpy]

1. Rostov is in southern Russia, not far from the Black Sea and the Ukrainian border

(not far being a relative term given the distances in Russia). These guys are beyond brave. I knew a few like this during Vietnam, who said they were not getting on that plane, take them to prison. When they got out of prison, they said they didn't know which was worse. I count them as at least as heroic as the guys who faced war against their will atainst people who were no threat to this country..

I know of others who have gone, only to surrender to the Ukrainians at the first opportunity.

I think this will only increase as news of what this war is really about filters back to the people back home. It will be a whispering campaign and much of it in code, but it will be there.

This is really their Vietnam. The parallels are amazing.

It's Ukraine's war of independence. They will win it, occupations by foreign powers are only temporary. Occupying armies get worn down and worn out, the occupying country's treasury gets depleted, and the population starts to rebel openly.

[geardaddy]

2. I thought their Vietnam was Afghanistan

That was the USSR, so maybe this is Russia's Vietnam. It could also be their Iraq.

[Warpy]

4. Afghanistan was a small misadventure compared to this

The loss of life on their side was far smaller in years in Afghanistan than it has been in months in Ukraine. This is one reason the first thing they clamped down on were the independent news outlets. Speech was next.

Word is still getting out, however slowly, about what a total fool's errand and disaster for Russia as well as Ukraine this is.

[OAITW r.2.0]

3. It's only going to get worse for Russian soldiers.

Fight or get Gulagged. Some choice.