They carry and aim their weapons with full knowledge of what they are doing - invading the neighboring country, killing those who resist and enslaving others. It’s been one of the most popular Russian sports for many centuries. That’s how Russia became so big. They know the rules of the game very well - it’s deeply ingrained in Russian culture, which has never been anything but imperial. They are obedient slaves of the empire.

They have been conditioned since childhood to blindly submit to authority. Their ignorance doesn’t absolve them of war crimes. I would prefer that they stay alive, but sometimes murderers must be stopped by violent means.

The age of the violent empires is finally coming to an end.