The Russo-Ukrainian war seems to offer too general a term for the unfolding tragedy. Neither Putin’s description of it as a “special military operation” (SMO) nor the Western definition of it as an “invasion” provide an accurate picture of the war that can better be framed into the scenario of the leader (Putin) inflicting a ruthless but richly deserved punishment on his beloved but treacherous progeny (Ukraine).

Putin acts just as the Cossack leader Taras Bulba from Gogol’s novel of the same name: Bulba slayed his own son   who, under the spell of infatuation with a Polish lady, turned his sword against his own people. Before shooting his son Taras says,      “ You are my progeny – and I will kill you!” 

Ukraine turned out to be as ungrateful to Russia as Andryi to his Cossack family that raised him. The Bolshevist Russia put Ukraine on the map and the “democratic” Russia foolishly bestowed independence on it on the Ukrainian solemn promise of eternal friendship and neutrality. 

Ukraine’s backstreet affair with the EU and NATO  culminated in an ungodly deal between Ukraine and the West: the Kiev movers and shakers allowed the  West to use Ukraine as a battering ram against Russia.

The cowardly, ignorant, greedy and corrupt Zelensky was sent by Fate to finish the job of weakening Russia with the help of the sacrificial goat – Ukraine.