For the past month, the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine has become the topic of discussion for millions of people. Whether it is by watching the news on the T.V. or scrolling on social media to learn about the situation, this pivotal issue is discussed everywhere. 

If you wish to learn more about the ongoing situation feel free to read this article for more information: Ukraine, Russian situation explained as tensions rise – The Paw Print!

If you are one to spend endless time on social media, the chances of you coming across memes surrounding the Russian-Ukraine war, are high. Although these tweets, videos, etc. can be seen as something you laugh at in the moment, they are ones that are unnecessary and should not be made in the first place. The following two types of memes are ones that are frequently made.

Being drafted into war 

As news sparked the internet about Russian troops invading Ukraine, it was not late before memes surrounding men being drafted into the war started to circulate the internet. However, according to an article by the Military, “all-volunteer military can’t adequately support, Congress and the president can reinstate the draft and force male citizens to serve in the military.”

Given our current circumstances, Congress and the president are taking other measures they deem necessary to assist Ukraine in this situation. One of the many actions the U.S. is taking is imposing sanctions on Russia. In order for Congress to reinstate the draft, Congress would have to pass legislation if they find it necessary to protect its citizens. Nonetheless, with our current situation, Congress is not likely to create this situation.

Additionally, the last time a man was drafted for war was during the Vietnam War in 1973. “There was huge support for ending the draft across the political spectrum,” reported Dr. Mittelstadt in an interview with the New York Times. “This was a bipartisan agreement to put an end to the draft.”

While men ages 18 – 21 are still required to register for the Selective Service System, there is still a long process, involving legislation, for men to be drafted into the situation between Russia and Ukraine.

The idea of being drafted into war is one many Ukrainian and Russian men are going through at this very moment. Creating memes about being drafted is one that should not be made because it can trigger emotions for many individuals who know someone who was drafted in past wars. It’s insensitive to post jokes about this situation when millions of men are risking their lives. 

“… with the reports that we are winning, I saw people are dead,” said Eugene Prasol in an interview with the New York Times. “Every time I’m reading, somebody losing a father, son, or friend.”

The idea of creating memes about getting drafted while several Ukrainian-Russian military troops are dying is uncalled for. It is not the time to be creating tweets and memes as people are dying halfway across the world.

Idolizing Ukrainian President Zelenskyy

The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, was perceived as a prime example of what it means to lead a country through hardships. Many world leaders have acknowledged his leadership and continue to give hope to its citizens during this war. 

It wasn’t long before the internet began to make “fan-edits’ ‘ about President Zelenskyy and images of him and his troops equipped with military vests. He has become a beloved politician by millions. Nonetheless, this does not take away from the fact that Zelenskyy’s life is at high risk and became one of the number one targets during this war.

“The enemy marked me as target number one, and my family as target number two,” said President Zelenskyy in a televised address to the nation.

It is moments like these where creating fan-edits and jokes about someone is unnecessary. While it may not appear as a serious issue to some, it should not be made when a world leader’s life is at stake. Zelenskyy has continuously worked on protecting its citizens and combating the Russian troops, even when his name is trending on social media and finding endless fan-edits about him.

Despite memes being seen as funny moments and helping us escape from reality, making memes about the war are ones that should not be made. Millions of families are having to leave their loved ones behind, risk their lives and/or worry about whether or not they would ever see their loved one again. It can also trigger emotions for some people who have lost their loved ones in past wars.

“902 civilians have been killed and another 1,459 have been wounded so far in the war in Ukraine,” said The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in an interview with NPR. “The office warned that the actual number is likely ‘considerably higher.’”