Words STILL Matter

Those with a careful eye will note that we have a very specific way of referring to the conflict in Ukraine: Russia’s War on Ukraine. 

It is not “the war in Ukraine” or “the Ukraine war” or “Russia’s war with Ukraine.” And it is definitely not a “Special Military Operation.” Those are sanitized versions of reality that some may be using for linguistic brevity. But we feel language, particularly when it comes to life and death, should be as specific and accurate as possible.

We adopted the phrase “Russia’s War on Ukraine” soon after the war began, because we felt it offered the best, most concise description about what is going on in Ukraine (and Russia) and why. 

Despite what the lie factories connected to the Kremlin (and now, embarrassingly, the White House) would like the world to believe, this is a Russian war of aggression against a neighbor that neither threatened nor provoked it. Ukraine has fought tenaciously to defend its land and freedom against odds that most thought it could not beat, and it has shown the world what bravery and resilience look like.

Russia’s War on Ukraine explicitly violates the UN Charter and international law. War crimes have been committed, and the International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant for President Vladimir Putin and several of his cronies. The day after Russia’s full-scale invasion, the UN voted 141-7 that Russia needed to withdraw. And, since 2022, Russia has been rightly subjected to some of the most severe international sanctions ever imposed on a nation, and its people are suffering. Meanwhile, three of Russia’s neighbors have declared it a terrorist state and two others, who were mostly neutral for over 70 years, have joined NATO.

Those who, be it out of ignorance or opportunism, excuse or appease Russia in this horrific war will well deserve the judgment that history will bestow upon them. Their names will join the likes of Arnold, Iscariot, Petain, and Vlasov. 

Yet some may wonder, how can a magazine called Russian Life not “take the Russian side”? 

First, because this is not a cordial argument where there are “sides” one might size up and consider arguing for. This is a case of violence, aggression, and mendacity where there is a clear right and wrong, and Russia is in the wrong.

Second, because this is not a magazine for Kremlinophiles or Putinophiles, but for Russophiles. We maintain a love for Russian culture, language, literature, land, food, and of course for its people. But, of course, the longer this war goes on, and the longer it takes Russian citizens to shred the web of disinformation that has ensnared and brainwashed them, the harder it will be to maintain that affection.

Please enjoy this issue, which has a very eclectic mix of stories. We decided soon after Russia’s War on Ukraine began that we would focus not on the war but on its effects on Russians and Russian society. This issue’s stories show just how deeply Russia has been affected, and how long will be the road back.