After Crimeans voted to leave Ukraine and join Russia, a man in a black raincoat turned up at the gate of the Belbek Air Base to demand that Ukrainian forces holed up inside surrender to Russia.
The Ukrainian commander of the base came out wearing his cap decorated with gold wings — and refused. ...
"As an officer with honor, I tell you I will stay," retorted Air Force Col. Yuliy Mamchur.
That act of defiance against the overwhelming force of Russian troops that had put Belbek under siege created a new Ukrainian national hero.
At best that officer displayed spunk. Perhaps with a touch of panache.
But hero? I think not. The heroes Ukraine needs are men who are simply too tired to retreat any more, and stand their ground.
Ukraine will need actual heroes if they are to survive this crisis with Russia.
