RICHMOND – Ralph and Sue Cruse, owners of the Nest Egg, 101 N. Thornton St. on the Richmond square, are flying the U.S. and Ukrainian flags. “We’re supporting their cause,” Nest Egg coowner Ralph Cruse said. “We think it’s absolutely a disgrace what’s happening over there, and this is one way we can support the Ukrainians.” He said he is not Ukrainian and does not know anyone from that country, but feels sympathy for people fighting to defend democracy against Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, who refers to his war as a “special operation.” The New York Times reported an estimated death toll of 7,000 among Russian troops, including three generals, after 20 days of combat – more than U.S. forces lost on Iwo Jima in World War II. The United States lost fewer troops in 20 years of fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky estimates his country’s military losses at 1,300, The Times reported.