Ukraine

The Friends Committee on National Legislation and its partner Quaker organizations issued the following statement today on the war in Ukraine and the Quaker commitment to peace.

Quakers are a people who follow after peace, love and unity. Our peace testimony is our witness to the Truth as we experience it. We continue to support peacebuilding measures. We call on the governments of Ukraine, Russia, neighboring countries, the United States, NATO and the European Union, to explore all avenues—whether public or private—for a renewed conversation to address the human security needs of all the peoples and countries in the region, to help provide the basis for long term peace.

Following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s veiled threats to use nuclear weapons, the Biden administration has responded with threats of “catastrophic consequences” if Russia does the unthinkable. As the administration plans for different scenarios, FCNL stands united with 27 interfaith partners in urging the President to avoid the path towards mutually assured destruction and resist pressure to respond with nuclear weapons if Moscow detonates nuclear weapons in Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s veiled threat to use nuclear weapons against Ukraine is a horrifying act of nuclear blackmail that contradicts his own admission that “there can be no winners in a nuclear war and it should never be unleashed.” It deserves thorough condemnation. But more importantly, it requires a steady response of de-escalation.

Today marks the 2022 International Day of Peace. The United Nations General Assembly unanimously established this day in 1981 as a day of non-violence and universal cease-fire. It offers a moment each year to reflect on the state of peace in the world and recommit ourselves to building a just and non-violent global community.

On Thursday morning, June 30, interviews with both Bridget Moix and Diana Ohlbaum were aired by more than 100 radio networks and stations nationwide on the current status of the war in Ukraine.

It has been more than four months since Russia invaded Ukraine. In response to the terrible human toll of this illegal assault, FCNL led 23 faith organizations in sending a letter to every member of Congress today urging lawmakers to avoid actions that would escalate, expand, or prolong the war in Ukraine.

For Friends in Europe, the invasion of Ukraine has sparked urgent discussions about how to respond to the continent’s largest conflict since World War II. We spoke with Michael Eccles, executive secretary of the Europe and Middle East section of the Friends World Committee for Consultation (FWCC-EMES), to learn more.

How would you define the work and goals of FWCC in Europe and the Middle East?

As concerns continue to develop over Russia’s attacks against Ukraine, Rep. Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) has responded by introducing a new authorization for use of military force (AUMF), which would give President Biden authority to use force should Russia deploy chemical, biological, or nuclear weapons.