"Stand next to us!" American and Russian women call for peace

It says:

“We, the women of the United States and Russia, are deeply alarmed by the risk of a possible war between our countries, which have

90% of the world stock of nuclear weapons.

We are mothers, daughters, grandmothers, and we are sisters to each other.

Today we stand next to our sisters from Ukraine, its East and West, whose families and whose country is suffering, more than 14,000 people have already died.

We stand together for peace and diplomacy, with respect for all.

We are united by the belief that diplomacy, dialogue, mutual participation in resolving issues and exchange are primarily necessary in order to end the current crisis and prevent a catastrophic military conflict that could spiral out of control - and bring the world to the brink of a nuclear abyss. .

For the US and Russia, the only sane and humane path is a principled commitment to clear, constructive, and sustained diplomacy—not military action.

At this dangerous moment, instead of trading accusations, we should look for 21st century alternatives - alternatives to senseless military conflicts and reckless spending on wars. It is time to rethink security so that women, families and our children can live in peace.

Now that we are in perhaps the most dangerous moment since the Cuban Missile Crisis, we call on the media in our two countries to stop fanning the flames of war. We call on the media to follow their moral responsibility, call on journalists to remind them of the cost of war, the bloodshed and loss of life, call for confirmation of those statements that escalate tensions, and have the courage to sound the alarm about the risk of escalating to a nuclear war, which, as we know, means the end of everything.

At a time when poverty is rising in the US, Ukraine, Russia, when the whole world is facing the existential threat of climate change, a pandemic that has already claimed 5.8 million lives and continues to claim new ones, reduces life expectancy and increases inequality everywhere, isn't it time look at everything in a new way?

How important would it be to take the time to set out a vision for the 21st century - not only in terms of promoting peace and security, but also in terms of how to bring the world together - in essence, to present a new realism? What could constructive, humane diplomacy look like? If thoughtfully approached, it could do much more than overcome the Ukrainian impasse - it could pave the way for broad cooperation between the US, Russia and Europe and so on in the field of climate, disarmament and much more. It could plant the seeds of a new, demilitarized and security-based architecture.

We, independent women who strive for peace and security, understand the importance of the participation of the mind and heart in this process. We urge that our call for peace be shared and encourage governments to continue the conversation, to continue clear, creative and sustained diplomatic work.

We are living through a time of fear, but also a time of hope and opportunity. The world is in motion, the future is yet to be written. As Americans and Russians, we understand the importance of reducing tension between our countries. We offer a more realistic and wiser approach than preparing for an armed conflict that could lead to an indescribable nuclear war.

We stand together and call for peace. Get close to us.

Jackie Abrahamian, writer

Nadezhda Azhgikhina, journalist

Dr. Susan Allen, Director, Center for Peace Building and Practice, Carter School for Peace Building and Conflict Resolution, George Mason University

Natalia Bitten, journalist, feminist

Elizaveta Vedina, illustrator

Natalia Zhurina, Research and Education Officer, Organization for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Paola Karb, Peace Building and Practice Center, George Mason University

Sandra Klin, board member of the Emerit Biosphere Foundation, founder and editor of Spirit Dance, writer

Dulce Kugelman, Center for Civic Peacebuilding

Cynthia Lazaroff, Founder of the Women Changing Our Nuclear Legacy and Nuclear Wake Up Initiatives, Board Member of the Planet Initiative, Board Member of the American Committee for US-Russian Accord

Sara Linderman-Komarova, writer, researcher and activist

Olga Malyutina, artist

Eva Merkacheva, journalist, member of the Human Rights Council of the Russian Federation

Galina Mikhaleva, chairman of the gender faction of the Yabloko party

Larisa Mikhailova, Senior Research Fellow, Faculty of Journalism, Moscow State University, Scientific Secretary, Russian Society for the Study of American Culture

Galya Morell, polar explorer and artist, co-founder of the People's Diplomacy Initiative "Arctic Without Borders"

Marina Pisklakova-Parker, Doctor of Sociology, Researcher, Founder and Head of the Board of the Anna Violence Prevention Center

Joan Porter, activist

Ann Wright, U.S. Army Colonel, Retired Diplomat, Veterans for Peace Board Member

Karen Sperling, author and publisher

Svetlana Svistunova, journalist, documentarian

Dr. Ann Finch, University of Wisconsin Professor, Rotary Club Leader for Peace and Nuclear Education, 2017 Rotary Club World Champion

Katrina vanden Heuvel, Chairman of the Editorial Board and Publisher of The Nation, Member of the Board of the American Committee for American-Russian Accord

Lyubov Shtyleva, founder of the Women's Congress of the Kola Peninsula