Saluting the Silver Soldier

The men and women of Ukraine are challenging the assertion that older populations are most at-risk during periods of conflict by taking-up arms to defend their country. Ukrainians well-into their 70s and 80s are confronting Russian soldiers on the streets, arriving at military bases to enlist, and participating in basic training for civilians. Some in the media have gone so far as to call some of the large groups of older women the “babushka battalions”.

The pandemic illustrated the resilience of older populations, but nothing has shown their true grit, as well their spirit of sacrifice for the greater good, quite like the war in Ukraine.