“Military conflict” eh? A few weeks ago, the UN issued guidance to its staff against using the word “war” when referring to the current situation in Ukraine. And instead to use less definitive alternatives such as “conflict” or “military offensive”. One too many quotation marks we are using, wouldn’t you agree? Unfortunately, in light of recent events, it became clear that such terms are insufficient to capture the reality of war actions in the temporarily occupied regions of Ukraine. As of yesterday, the Ukrainian army has successfully retaken the Kyiv region. And what they saw upon entering devastated towns and villages was pure horror. Countless corpses lying on the ground were left to rot. Signs of marauding in every home. Designated holes in the ground for the sole purpose of chemical disposal of bodies. Don’t we have a word to describe such behaviour? Oh, that’s right. Genocide.

“the deliberate killing of a large number of people from a particular nation or ethnic group with the aim of destroying that nation or group”

I am not going to show any pictures taken on sight but you are free to find them yourself. Just search Bucha (Буча ukr.) in the search engine of your choice and the reality of the situation shall be presented to you. But be warned, some of these may be truly disturbing. Proceed with caution.

The only thought that is more terrifying than what we saw in Bucha today is what is happening in places that are still occupied. “Russian spring” as they call it, that’s what is happening. Hands of innocent people are getting tied up ready for execution. Women and children are getting raped and murdered. Tears are falling on the blood-covered ground. I have read about all the awful things human beings are capable of doing. But to see it happen is something I wouldn’t wish upon my worst enemy. Most people are worth a second chance. Those responsible for this were not even worth a first.

War is war. Murder is murder. Genocide is genocide. Almost six weeks of cruel bloodshed with no sign of the end nearing. There is no neutral, family-friendly way to say it.