While Ukraine hunkers down for its third winter of Russia’s devastating invasion; and while Russian fighter jets buzz American aircraft off of Alaska’s shores; and as Vladimir Putin continues to threaten the West with nuclear annihilation . . . emergency warning sirens are blaring throughout Russia, in eerie echoes of Cold War days.

This is nothing new. Begun in 2020, the now twice-yearly exercise has doubled in frequency since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February of 2022. According to the Russian Emergency Ministry, its purpose is to check the systems, the readiness of the persons responsible for launching them, and to raise public awareness — adding, “Don’t panic — everything is according to a plan.” [Lidia Kelly, Reuters, October 2, 2024.]

I’m sure that makes the people feel much better as the sirens blast for a full minute, accompanied by loudspeakers shouting “Attention everyone!” and TV and radio broadcasts are interrupted. I know that would make my day.

Yet, it’s understandable. In the face of a war that they themselves started, they seem to have been surprised at the recent retaliatory strikes by Ukraine on Russian territory. While on-the-ground incursions have thus far been limited to the regions around Kursk near the Ukraine border, there have been drone strikes in the Moscow region and perilously close to the Kremlin itself. And Vladimir Putin is worried about the possibility of Ukraine’s eventual use of long-range missiles aimed deeper into Russia.

Of course, Putin and his perspicacious propaganda puppets will find a way to turn this around, blaming us — the West — for having put them on the defensive and creating an atmosphere of fear in their poor, beleaguered country.

Well, do your best, Mr. Putin. The world knows perfectly well who started this on February 24, 2022. In your unbounded arrogance, you simply overlooked the possibility of retribution.

So how does it feel?

Oh . . . that bad, huh?

Just sayin’ . . .

Brendochka
10/3/24