Ukraine vs. 1956
Bela Liptak
Jose,
Thanks for the Zelinsky book and for your interest in my comparing what I read in that book with what I experienced in 1956 in Budapest.
What was most remarkable was the total similarity between the atmospheres that the Ukrainean and the Hungarian freedom fighters created among themselves so many decades apart. They both were consumed by selfless total dedication, having no concern about their own safety and caring about only their ultimate goal: their nation's freedom.
Imre Nagy and Vlodomir Zelennsky were also similar in putting their lifes on the line, but they differed in one important respect: Imre Nagy did not declare war, did not order the Hungarian army to fight. As a consequence the number of Hungarian freedom fighters killed remained under 300 and the nation's infrastructure mostly survived. History will judge the wisdom of both man's decisions.
Congratulations for receiving the high award of Litvania for your efforts in protecting the Baltics during the Biden Administration and hope that after the next election, you can pick it where you left it.
Best regards, Bela