This isn't a popular war for many Russian soldiers and many of the soldiers are relatively untrained. In line with Russia's history of warfare they often call on the lower classes (in the past peasant class) to fight for certain causes. In alignment with historical and cultural perspectives there are penalties for anyone who surrenders, doesn't fight, or tries to return home. In light of those concepts, Ukrainians are wise to be using sympathetic surrender terms in a way that could help defend their country and potentially help their economy afterward.
Some of these things the Ukrainians are already doing and a few might actually make sense.
1.) Easy Surrender Initiative: A soldier that surrenders is an amazing source of information. They also leave equipment behind, allows reallocation of military resources not used for fighting and could potentially save Ukrainian lives.
2.) Offer Path to Return Home or Ukrainian Citizenship: Because they have given up without a fight they took a pretty big risk. Treating them well and eventually offering a path to return to Russia or become a Ukrainian resident.
3.) Given they a Job with Pay in Clean Up, Construction, and/or Specialized Services: Why just have to take care of them and the expenses of it. Perhaps giving them temporary work permits in cleaning up, fixing roads, construction, or contractors if they have specialized skills the Ukrainians can use. The average market wage should prevail to ensure positive good will.
4.) Encourage Countries to Help Those Who Surrender; When people have a viable path to fight for a war they don't want or one in which they can surrender and be given a new life it is important. That may mean other nations may want to work with, hire, or absorb some the soldiers that want peaceful lives and have contributed to Ukrainians cause.
5.) Different Levels of Surrender: Those units and soldiers that surrender when requested are treated under Easy Surrender Initiative and treated as potential future friends. Those who fight and only surrender when exhausted/defeated they will be treated civilly, in accordance with international law, but strictly as enemy combatants.
6.) Let it Be Known Surrender Options: Make sure it is obvious to all Russians, public media, and international media that if the troops come and surrender they will be seen as friends and will be helped. Give these units time to prepare and allow people to think about it way before they come. The PR advantages are also huge as people know Ukraine is "doing the right thing".
You may want to read First new Russian military recruits already in Ukraine, says President's Office. Remember while they are attacking a country many people are untrained, boys, have no experience, and forced. Giving them an avenue out can save many lives, infrastructure damage, and have a huge psychological effect if masses of troops defect after reaching battlefield. The door to future positive relationships with a regime change of the general will of people when their kids were saved from Putin's bad choices. Opportunities for future reconciliation and peaceful relationships between Russia-Ukraine and Russia-UN. It could be a level k move.
No comments:
Post a Comment