The Dire Psychological Impact of Russia's Invasion of Ukraine
Psychology TodayOct 05, 2021
Day 14 Close: Mariupol Hospital Bombed, Chemical Attack Warning
Image copyright: AP Photos [via The New York Post]
The Facts
Russia was accused of bombing a pediatric and maternity hospital in Mariupol on Wed., injuring at least 17. The attack came during what was meant to be a 12-hr ceasefire to allow civilians to evacuate.
Nearly 35,000 people were reportedly evacuated from Sumy, Kyiv and the Kyiv region, and Enerhodar, through humanitarian corridors established on Wed. Efforts will continue Thurs.
The Spin
Anti-Russia narrative
This invasion is an egregious violation of international law. Putin's ultimate aim is to restore the Soviet empire, even if it takes massive bloodshed and false pretexts such as calling the 2014 Ukrainian revolution after a fraudulent election a "coup". This unprovoked attack is the latest chapter in Putin's Orwellian attempt to re-write history.
Pro-Russia narrative
NATO and the US have ignored Russia's security concerns by breaking its promise not to expand eastward in return for German reunification. These concerns are legitimate and taking them seriously would have avoided the Ukraine tragedy.