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.

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.