[Blog] New open letter: To the President of the Russian Federation, H.E. Vladimir Putin and to President of Ukraine, H.E. Volodymyr Zelenskyy

We invite Presidents Vladimir and Volodymyr to meet and jointly start negotiations now.

‘War is defeat’ (Pope Francis, 23rd April 2025, Easter 2025, his last day on Earth). As a group we condemn aggression; we condemn the neglect of action to control climate change and save the planet as a supporter of life; we condemn any action risking nuclear disaster.

At a time when entire sections of the planet are suffering from the extremes of climate change (roasting under extreme heat, freezing cold, intense hurricanes, floods and droughts, sea-level rise, etc.), under such a planetary emergency, there is no time, no justification for anyone, be it the USA, China, India, African states, Russia, Iran or any other nation, to resort to the old style of empire building, of going to war as a tool of political action. No justification for the aggression of an independent state, member of UN and of the family of nations, nor of amassing all manner of arms to try to defend one’s country with more weapons.

As Pope Francis reminded us so forcefully, “War is defeat”. Please join us in condemning war “as a tool of political action”. Instead, let us use negotiation and dialogue, and where necessary arbitration, instead of missiles, tanks, and bombs as “arguments”.

Total engagement to avoid nuclear war. No talk whatsoever or threat of using any such weapon.
It’s our world, our planet and life here for the 8 billion humans (and plant and animal biodiversity) cannot/will not/in no way we all of us permit such life to be threatened by one or more mad man for whatever political or greed purpose to use nuclear weapons. The result of using one or more nuclear weapon and its retaliation has been so well studied that it’s unnecessary to detail it again here (millions of immediate deaths, billions of long-term deaths, rendering of water and other natural resources, including air, unfit for us humans and animals etc.)

Threatening the use of nuclear warheads will affect the entire planet negatively and for thousands of years. Russia holds about 6,850 nuclear warheads, the USA 6,550 warheads: France, 290 warheads and China, 280. The UK has 215, Pakistan 145, India 135. Even Israel and North Korea hold some. Any use of even a small number of these could end the planet’s ability to support biodiversity, including human life. Therefore, in the name of 8 billion humans, we state that no one has the right to take the risk of using nuclear arms, for whatever reason.

For ceasefire and peace in Ukraine. We invite Presidents Vladimir and Volodymyr to meet and jointly start negotiations now (with the USA, China/the European Union/UN/or other facilitators). Based on a complete recognition of the democratically elected government in Ukraine and the conduct of referendum on self-determination of people in Donbas, South Ukraine, and Crimea as to their wish to be part
of Ukraine, part of Russia, or become an independent state.

As per the UN Charter, of self-determination of people and nations. Consider this option now as part of the peace negotiation and agreement between Russia and Ukraine.

Hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian soldiers, Ukrainian civilians and young Russian soldiers have been massacred uselessly, not to say criminally since the invasion. And this number will double if war persists. So, we call for an immediate ceasefire: stop firing, talk and each one consider the requirements of the other side. Sign an agreement, a peace treaty. Then we can end the negative effects of this war on Western Europe, on African countries, end even the distant threat to the entire planet of exchange of some nuclear weapons, and end sanctions on the Russian population. After a ceasefire, and a peace treaty, we can start the rebuilding of Ukraine, a destroyed country. We support the full resumption of production and export of cereals, grain, and natural gas from Russia. Sanctions should end and free trade be re-established, as soon as possible.

Dr Michael Atchia

(Former United Nations Programme Director) mklatchia@intnet.mu

First open letter 22nd May 2023, new letter today, 26th April 2025.