dolorosa_12 | My blood is stone

Today (at the time of writing), Russia bombarded cities and towns across almost the length and breadth of Ukraine with more than 80 missiles, and at least 25 'suicide' drones. The missiles in question are extremely expensive (I've seen estimates of $US 13 million per missile), and are supposedly 'precision' weapons. The places hit by these 'precision' missiles included a children's playground, residential blocks of flats, universities in Kyiv and Mykolaiv, and a pedestrian observation bridge next to a park. They also hit electric power stations, water supply infrastructure, and train stations — all far from the frontline.

From this, we can conclude either that the 'precision' missiles are not very precise, or that this exclusively civilian infrastructure was the intended target. The intent is obvious: to create terror and fear among civilians, when the Russian military is unable to succeed on the battlefield. (In this, they have utterly failed: the reaction instead has been defiant singing in bomb shelters and metro stations, mass donations to military and humanitarian fundraisers, and grim resolution.)

If you've been following me here on Dreamwidth for a while, you'll know what I'm asking you to do next: donate to relevant organisations (you can see my thoroughly vetted list here, with more suggestions in the comments) if you are financially able, and write to your political representatives if you live in a democratic country.

The Ukrainians have been asking for specific things in terms of both military and sanctions/diplomatic aid for some time now. When it comes to military aid, they need air defence (which would have prevented destruction on the scale of what we witnessed today), aircraft, tanks, and long-range weapons. I have written specifically to my MP asking for the government here to provide this equipment if it is capable of doing so, or persuading allies to do so if it is incapable (plus providing/facilitating the requisite training of the Ukrainian military to operate said equipment). In terms of diplomatic/sanctions aid, the Ukrainian government would like Russia to be designated a state sponsor of terrorism, which would lead to specific corresponding sanctions. I have asked for this as well in my letter to my MP, and also asked her to encourage allies in other countries to do the same (since the UK alone doing so is not hugely helpful).

I strongly urge everyone to take equivalent actions if they are able. We cannot intercept missiles, but we can write emails and make phone calls.