Statement About Russia’s Military Aggression in Ukraine

We are deeply saddened by the Russian Federation’s military forces invasion of Ukraine as of February 24, 2022. The Living Peace Museum strongly condemns this violation of territorial sovereignty and loss of life in Ukraine.

For many of us, it is difficult to understand this act of aggression towards other human beings and the horrible consequences of war. And we find ourselves searching for answers amongst our distress. When reading Russian President Vladimir Putin's national address from the Kremlin announcing a “special military operation” against Ukraine, his words provided insight into the reasoning for this action. He cited three reasons: 1. ensuring Russian security against the fundamental threats of NATO's military expansion to Russian borders, 2. protecting the people of Ukraine against the "abuse and genocide by the regime in Kyiv for eight years" and 3. the prevention of Neo-Nazis seizing power in Ukraine.

More alarming within the speech, Putin puts forth a thinly veiled military threat, posturing the power of modern Russia as "one of the most powerful nuclear powers in the world and possesses certain advantages in some of the newest types of weaponry. In this regard, no one should have any doubts that a direct attack on our country will lead tono other option" than protecting Russiany potential aggressor.” Ultimately expressing, there was "no other option" than protecting Russia. Reportedly, he ordered Russia's nuclear forces to “go on high alert to carry out their mission" on 27 February, raising the spectre of the use of nuclear weapons at the battlefield level.

Professor Jim Hughes's opinion is that “the build up of NATO arms in countries bordering Russia has caused a breakdown of this trust.”

2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine – invasion of Ukraine by Russia starting on 24 February 2022.

The struggle to build trust and create a culture of peace and non-violence continues in regional, national, and global contexts of escalating intolerance, retreats from democracy, and competition for resources against the backdrop of a global pandemic and the ravages of climate change.

Now more than ever, there are peacebuilding tasks for everyone if we are to reignite a global movement for a culture of peace. The Living Peace Museum’s call to action is for all peace scholars, museum practitioners, teachers, artists and activists to foster dialogue for peace.

Photo by Todd Trapani on Unsplash