The report about the Russian strike on a children’s hospital in Kyiv shows only the latest effort by Russia in its war to destroy Ukrainian infrastructure, decimate its population and, by extension, destroy Ukraine, (“Children’s hospital in Ukraine hit during heaviest bombardment in months,” July 8).

This has been going on since Russia’s invasion over two years ago. What is striking is that despite the destruction and death caused by Russia’s war, there have been comparatively few mass demonstrations in this country protesting Russia’s actions, calling for a ceasefire and vilifying Russia for its terrible conduct of this war.

This stands in marked contrast to the protests that sprang up almost immediately after Israel invaded Gaza, which was in response to Hamas first invading Israel, killing over 1,200 of its citizens and taking over 250 hostages. I have to question why there is a difference - why there is a double-standard being applied here. I call for an equal effort in protest of Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Richard Botney, Portland

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