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Ask HN: Could it be possible for Russian and Ukrainian Troops to refuse combat?

2 points by choletentent ↗ HN
I can see why humans fight people with different beliefs, culture, and language, but Russians and Ukrainians share such an extensive cultural background.

Is it foolish to expect soldiers to refuse the direct combat in another unnecessary war?

6 comments

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drKarl
Well, soldiers have to obey orders, or risk having a court martial for insubordination...
raxxorrax
Not as foolish as going to war for your government in my opinion, but probably with a lot of consequences if you put down weapons.

To expect that soldiers do refuse combat is probably foolish. Many are as dependent on the military as the military is on them, although the motivation is different on both sides.

dusted
I don't believe that the vast majority of soldiers go into war because they believe in the cause and are ready to die for it, not at least in countries with professional armies.

Soldiers go into war because it's their job, it's what they're paid to do.

emreb
As a person who served in the military, soldiers are pretty brainwashed to obey orders of their superiors for the benefit of the country. Not many soldiers behave rationally in the army, especially low ranking ones.
rini17
It was historically commonplace for people with similar beliefs, culture, and language to war each other. That the West decided after WWII that it isn't worth it anymore, is rare exception.
sv0
Ukrainians fight for their country since 2014. I believe it will be hard to convince them that their struggle for the freedom is unnecessary.