Footage released by the 24th Mechanized Brigade of Ukraine captures Russian troops as they're being hit by a drone dropped munition. The Russians then appear to abandon their wounded to seek cover.

There's a lot to unpack in this video. Four Russian Soldiers walking through a field in between fighting positions become the target of a Ukrainian drone rigged to drop munitions. The munition that is delivered explodes directly next to two of the troops in the tail of the cluster, and one of them immediately drops from his injuries. Shortly after the explosion, it's clear from the footage that the first wounded Soldier isn't dead, but in spite of any cries for help the first three continue to run away from the site of the explosion. Then, the second Soldier in the formation drops to a knee.

At first it appears as if the second Soldier might maneuver back towards his wounded friend to grab him, but instead he too then falls victim to injuries sustained in the blast while the two Soldiers now at the front of the pack continue to run for cover fearing that a second strike may be imminent. This is a truly messed up scenario to be a part of, and I'm glad that drones weren't a thing during the Global War on Terror.

What's difficult about this is that the troops running for cover aren't wrong. While the drone is still above them, they have no idea of knowing what could happen next. If a second munition is dropped and they too become casualties, there's no way that they can help their wounded friends. There isn't a direct enemy to gain fire superiority over either, just the insistent buzzing of the drone overhead that could release a munition to take them out at any minute. More than likely, getting to cover until the drone is no longer overhead is a standard operating procedure for these guys.

The video ends before we can see the full picture unfortunately. We'll likely never know if the two Russian troops running for cover were cowards, or if they were simply following the Russian standard operating procedure for dealing with these drone strikes. The human being in me hopes that they were able to go out and render aid to their wounded friends after the drone was no longer overhead, and I say that in spite of the fact that the ultra pro-Ukrainian commenters will probably be out in force on this one cheering for the death of other human beings.

The entire conflict in Ukraine is a shameful waste of human life. Ukraine can't capitulate even one inch, and I respect them for that. Their will to fight against Russian occupation has been astounding and long-lasting, and they have every right to defend every inch of land in their country against foreign occupation. I would expect no less a response from my own countrymen to a massive invasion by another nation in our country. Make no mistake about it, the Ukrainians are not wrong for defending themselves against foreign invasion. It's their duty to defend their home with every ounce of their being.

Russian troops being thrown into the meat-grinder against such a determined enemy however have my sympathy as well. The fact that the people in Russia can't see the war in Ukraine as an act of aggression by their country's leader is insanity at its peak. This war is a fruitless endeavor created by an old man who has nothing else in life except an endless hunger for control and power. Unfortunately, only the people of Russia can stand up and demand an end to the conflict in Ukraine now. Until they do, it's their sons that will continue to pay the price the Ukrainians are asking. Every day Russia continues to fight against Ukraine, the sons of Russian mothers will be paying a fee in blood, and that's only the physical toll they're being asked to pay today.

For the rest of their lives, Russian Soldiers will be looking up for a threat the same way American troops look to the sides of the road.