As Russia continues its offensive, allies are responding by funneling more and more weapons into Ukraine. The urge to do something—anything—to stop the horrifying violence unfolding in Ukraine is deeply understandable. But this is the point where someone should be pausing to ask—is this deluge of arms going to result in the peace the Ukrainian people need and deserve?
Quakers have long opposed war, supported the right to conscientious objection, and actively worked for peace in our communities and around the world. These precepts are—and should be—tested in the face of war and violence. They are now challenged by the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
As a Quaker lobby, we oppose all war. But you don’t have to be a Quaker to understand the danger of some of the policy choices being proposed at the moment.
We affirm again that war is never the answer. Lasting peace can only be achieved through peaceful means.
NATO expansion creates in Russia the very fears it is designed to allay in the alliance’s newest members.
With the threat of a Russian invasion looming in Ukraine, faith communities are united in their message to Congress and the Biden administration: we must do everything in our power to protect human lives and prevent war.
Russia, the United States, and Ukraine all share one key interest now: preventing a war. To put people first, all sides must do everything in their power to deescalate the situation and return to the bargaining table. Anything less represents a moral failing of the highest magnitude.
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