DFG-VK - Press release 24. February 2022 Stop the war! Остановите войну!


After the deployment of Russian troops to the separatist regions of Luhansk and Donetsk and
their recognition by Russia as independent states on Tuesday, this was followed Thursday
morning by Russia's invasion of other parts of Ukraine in violation of international law on
the orders of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Our solidarity is with the people of Ukraine
and all who will suffer the consequences of this war.


We demand an immediate stop to the attacks on Ukraine, the withdrawal of Russian troops
and a return to the negotiating table. We call on all soldiers to lay down their arms and
refuse to go to war. We demand from the European Union to open its borders for refugees
and to maintain the visa-free regime for Ukrainians. The German government must accept
and support deserters and conscientious objectors from Ukraine and Russia.


We strictly reject arms deliveries to crisis and war zones, including Ukraine. These are
counterproductive and make urgently needed peace negotiations impossible. There is no
separation between defensive and offensive weapons. Any weapon can always be used to
support own attacks or counterattacks. More weapons do not lead to peace, they rather pour

oil on the fire of this conflict. We firmly reject demands from Germany for a military build-
up or participation in the conflict.

We call on all countries to reject Russia's breach of international law. The approval of the
Russian invasion by individual states outrages us. We advocate the outlawing and
prohibition of wars of aggression worldwide and legal consequences for those responsible.
We call for prudence in this difficult situation in order to prevent a further escalation of the
war. Russia's president is threatening consequences for interference the likes of which have
never been seen in history. Putin's threats, particularly with regard to the worldwide
nuclear arsenals, fill us with concern. This situation highlights the need for the Treaty on
the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.


The vision of a pan-European peace order is becoming a distant prospect as a result of the
invasion of Russian troops. Only a cessation of hostilities and the development of
sustainable solutions can restore prospects for peaceful coexistence.
We welcome all non-violent protests in Russia, Ukraine and other parts of the world that
demand the cessation of hostilities and work for peaceful solutions. We call on people to
continue to take to the streets in the coming days and especially invite them to the large
rally we are co-organizing on Sunday at 1 p.m. at the Victory Column in Berlin.

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