Russian Soldier Defects After Commander Shooting: War Ethics Debate

A Russian soldier's shocking act—shooting her commander and fleeing to Ukraine—challenges military loyalty, ethics, and the ever-persistent war industry.

Would it be surprising if a Russian soldier suddenly shot her own army commander? This act of defiance, whether driven by impulse or careful planning, carries deep implications. The soldier fled towards the Ukrainian army, a move that hints at a rejection of the conflict her country is waging. This raises critical questions about “military loyalty”, "discipline", and the consequences of such an act.

Facing the Death Penalty: Military Justice

In the rigid hierarchy of the military, insubordination—especially the extreme act of turning a weapon on a superior—often results in severe punishment. “Military law” typically allows little room for mercy, and the “death penalty” is a common consequence in such cases. The fact that this soldier fled towards Ukraine might have been a desperate attempt to escape immediate execution. However, her fate remains uncertain. This incident forces us to consider the ethical implications of “military justice” in the modern world, especially as society increasingly questions the “morality of the death penalty”.

The Military: A Dictatorship Within a Democracy?

The “military” operates as a separate entity within the broader society, governed by its own strict set of rules. The “chain of command” and the necessity of “obedience” create an environment where the individual’s moral compass can be overshadowed by the demand for absolute loyalty. This incident of a soldier turning against her commander challenges the foundation of “military discipline” and brings into focus the “authoritarian nature” of military institutions. Can such rigid structures coexist with the broader democratic values of “personal freedom” and “human rights”?

War Cemeteries in Normandy: A Reflection on Sacrifice

A visit to the “Normandy war cemeteries” offers a poignant reminder of the human cost of military obedience. The “Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial”, with its 9,387 meticulously maintained graves, reflects the deep respect given to those who died in service to their country. The “preservation of history” is evident in the care given to these sites, highlighting the value placed on “military sacrifice”. However, the stark contrast with the “La Chambre German Cemetery” raises questions about the “value of life” on opposing sides. The subdued design and communal graves at La Chambre suggest a different narrative, one where the tragedy of war is shared collectively rather than celebrated individually.

Equality in Death: A Question of Moral Value

The disparity between the American and German war cemeteries highlights uncomfortable truths about how we remember the dead. Are the lives of soldiers from one nation worth more than those from another? This question of “moral equivalence” is brought into sharp focus when we consider that some German graves hold multiple soldiers, a stark contrast to the individualized graves of their American counterparts. The “ethics of war” demand that we consider whether all lives lost in conflict deserve equal respect and remembrance, regardless of the side on which they fought.

The Tyranny of War: Obedience Versus Conscience

The Russian soldier’s decision to shoot her commander and flee suggests a profound internal conflict. Perhaps she recognized the futility of the war in Ukraine, driven more by “political power” than by any just cause. This act of defiance reflects a struggle between **

“obedience” and “conscience”—a dilemma faced by many soldiers throughout history. The “moral ambiguity” of war, especially one as contentious as the Russia-Ukraine conflict, forces us to question the justifications given for such violence and the “responsibility” of soldiers to reject orders they deem unjust.

The War Industry: Perpetuating Conflict

The ongoing production of weapons and the rise in “military-industrial complex” profits suggest that war is, unfortunately, a thriving business. If “weapons manufacturing” continues, so too will conflicts around the world. The economic interests tied to the war industry often perpetuate violence, raising ethical questions about the “commodification of war”. If we wish to see an end to such conflicts, the “global community” must take a stand against the industries that profit from death and destruction.

Conclusion: A Call for Universal Remembrance

In the end, the story of this Russian soldier is a stark reminder of the complexities of war. It challenges us to think about the nature of “military authority”, the value of human life, and the role of personal morality in the face of “military orders”. As we reflect on the sacrifices made by soldiers on all sides of conflicts, we must also consider the ethical implications of how we remember them. Whether through equal treatment in death or through the rejection of the “war industry”, the global community has a responsibility to uphold the dignity of all who are caught in the crossfire of war.

The Why

the why

So why am I writing a piece of work (that is presently a spreadsheet) to help our friends and online community and families “maximize minimalism to create resilient sustainable homes”.

the why It will become a course you see. A pathway for ordinary people like us to live

It will become a course you see. A pathway for ordinary people like us to live. There will be an email list. A course and a community. Tons of useful tips and facts. And a lot of discussion.

So why am I launching into this?

Well, for a start I have been walking the walk for quite some time now, so it is time I talked the talk!

The why It will become a course you see. A pathway for ordinary people like us to live

Maybe it is a guilty conscience – I feel awfully guilty for the years when I did not even think of the environment I lived in. Though we have to get over the guilt. It is not useful. The planet is turning into a rubbish heap: so change it- we need to stop whinging about how bad we feel. Feeling guilty helps no-one. Get over it and get on with it.

Maybe because we have to start now. Here. To make a stand for Simply Living Simply.

Maybe because I feel happier and healthier eating clean food and living lightly and I want to help us all do that too? (yuk that sounds so sanctimonious).

Maybe because we need to combine modern technology with old fashioned norms to enable good happy wholesome lives for our grandchildren’s children. But where is that information?

The why the sky is clear and blue

Maybe because HOME is the most beautiful word and we all need to feel secure in the ability of our homes to shelter and protect us from the elements. Yes, I will be talking about architecture too.

Maybe because we are on the cusp of great changes environmentally, financially, and climatically so we have to thoughtfully design a way of living that can adapt fast to the changes ahead. I will be talking to the money guys too – investing in solar and wind is a thing. Self-powering houses! I love that!

We have become dependent. How I hate being dependent.

the why farm is green

I saw a question on LinkedIn the other day asking how often you make a home-cooked meal but the writer had another term for it. I can’t remember what it was. Not ‘from scratch’ – some other term. Oh, I know what it was – prepped. How often do you prep a meal.

But SO MANY of the comments were from people who did not cook!

No one taught them how?

They missed the point?

So many people were saying that home cooking was for the holidays. When they got hungry they got take-out delivered or went to the supermarket to buy a meal. They gave away the power of food.

But the expense! My poor frugal heart! and the packaging! Plastic packaging is not cool. And losing touch with the concept of cooking a meal and serving it hot at a table. We are the next Incas.

Wherever I live there is a home cooked meal every night. (And to be clear I am not the only one cooking). If I am alone (and left to my own devices) I pan fry grated potatoes with bacon and onion into a kind of frittata but in a pan. Then cover it in grated cheese and flip – sometimes that works – so the cheese becomes the base and cooks and sizzles and caramalizes (and nothing makes me happier than fried cheese) then when everything is crunchy I lay it, like a huge potato pancake, on a plate and cover it in vegetables and Greek yoghurt.

When I make pasta I make extra for the freezer. Especially ravioli. That’s prepping. Right?

If I am being clever the fresh vegetables I buy are immediately cut up into serving size pieces and stored together in a covered glass bowl in the fridge. So I can just reach in for a serving of veg every night.

I need to go back and find that LinkedIn post so I can say I prep too!

So why am I writing this piece of work? Why am I creating a three month course?

I want to build a community of like minded individuals and families and companies who can support each other in building resilient sustainable homes and work spaces. So we can move forward with confidence. So our food and supply chains are safe and local. So we can save each other from the flood. Not just pretend the storm is not coming then wait for help.

I can do the heavy lifting. My team and I will do the research – by the way you are on my team. And we will get the info into peoples pockets.

I want to spread the word that we CAN do something. That our actions are viable and respected.

the why cow looks innocent

I know that changing from a plastic toothbrush to a compostable one won’t actually overcome plastic pollution but it will change the way we think. It is a chicken step. Scratch Scratch Peck. Remember? And we are a whole flock. Together we can make a difference.

No doom and gloom- I promise.

?Live Simply so the Planet can Live Large.

☀️Maximize Minimalism.

✨Create Resilient Sustainable Homes.

?PreCycle

PRE-CYCLE! This is my new word. Or (in other words) don’t bring that shit into the house to begin with. I don’t want to have to throw it into an over filled recycling bin with another dubious journey ahead of it.

the why we should use cotton bags

I still have single use plastic in my sights. Much of this plastic is convenient. Individual punnets of anything are a luxury. And the convenience of easy disposal has made us lazy.

Maybe we need to toughen up and get used to the idea that our lifestyles today can not be as convenient as they were a decade ago.

So – as my Farmy researchers and The Fellowship – what can you and I ban from the house this week.

The latest: Plastic Bin liners. GONE. Small containers of cat food! GONE. Plastic toothbrushes. GONE. (Though all the toothbrushes I have used across my life STILL EXIST somewhere- never gone- aah).

?OK – what else?

LEGO is allowed because I have Lego that is forty years old and yet another generation of kids play with it. So Lego is on the good list!! ?? it is reused again and again and again.

See! Not all doom and gloom!

So, what do you think?

Cecilia

PS As usual I seldom edit when writing my blog – because I am amongst friends. So let’s pull this apart and put it back together in the comments.

PSS ?The trees come this week!

The article credited to The Kitchen's Garden