Ukraine

For weeks we have been following, from afar, the unfolding story about the tensions between Russia and Ukraine where there seemed to be an increasing probability of a Russian invasion as the days advanced.

I, like many, chose to hope that a commitment to the common good would prevail and that conflict would never happen. Surely by now we have
developed the capacity to resolve even the most difficult of political
issues? Indeed, many problems once referred to as intractable have been
addressed peacefully. For example, in my lifetime I have witnessed the fall
of the Berlin Wall and the establishment of new democratic states including Ukraine. I watched the emancipation of South Africa on TV and was here for the signing of the Belfast Agreement.

It was with a mixture of sorrow and anger, then,  that I awakened yesterday morning to the news that Russia had commenced military action against Ukraine. I watched Vladimir Putin's early morning address where he remained seemingly emotionless as he demanded that Ukraine's military disarm in
preparation for Russia's attempt to "de-nazify" the country - an ironic
claim made against a sovereign state whose President is himself a Jew!

The Russian President sent out a stark challenge to any outside power that
might attempt to intervene - warning that they would face an instant
response.

It is easy to forget that, following Russia's annexation of Crimea, an 8
year war has already been taking place in Eastern Ukraine during which over 14,000 people have died. Do we remember that?

Why should we care? I have heard the financial arguments advanced as Ukraine has huge Titanium reserves, as well as significant deposits of iron ore and magnesium. Indeed Ukraine stand 4th in the world in terms of the value of its natural resources and can meet the food needs of 600 million people - equivalent to feeding the entire USA twice over!

While I accept those facts, for me, this is more about solidarity with 40
million Ukrainians, many of who are vulnerable. It is about standing firm in
the face of testosterone drenched speeches and showing support in words and well as actions. I am a pacifist and would not be calling for military intervention. But being against the use of arms doesn't mean a lesser or weakened response. For too long we have equated power with force.  We cannot allow the potential for another major world war to break out. Sanctions can work, particularly when they are focused and deliver results- for example targeting oligarchs, stopping commercial access to finances and world markets.

I have spent time in Ukraine working on developing peacebuilding skills and witnessed those early roots of democracy and freedom grow into fragile flowers of hope. They cannot be allowed to die.

Today the most succinct request from Ukraine was posted by Quakers of KYIV "We'll be grateful for your prayers" and that we can all do.