Beyond the Bomb : Information on the Ukraine situation

On February 24, Russian President Vladimir Putin began an attack on the country of Ukraine. This illegal and premeditated war of aggression by the Russian government puts Ukrainian people in harm’s way and drastically increases the risk of escalation to nuclear conflict. As we monitor the situation we wanted to share what we know so far and urge you to follow our partners at Global Zero on Twitter or Facebook for reliable updates and urgent action opportunities as they arise.

Here is what we know so far:

• On February 22, 2022, the Russian government released a statement recognizing two areas of Ukraine, Donetsk and Luhansk, as independent, an illegal move intended to allow Russian forces to invade the region under the guise of peacekeeping.

• In the early hours of February 24, President Putin announced a “special military operation” in Donetsk and Luhansk. Attacks on Ukraine’s major cities followed shortly after and are ongoing.

• Since the attack began hundreds of thousands of Ukranians have been fleeing their country and protests of the Russian government’s invasion are taking place in Russia and around the world.

• In response to the invasion, the U.S. and its NATO partners implemented sanctions on key Russian institutions and oligarchs, and authorized military aid, including small arms and equipment, to Ukraine.

• The U.S. announced deployment of additional ground and air forces to Poland and Germany, reiterating troops would not engage in direct conflict in Ukraine.

• Belarus, which hosts Russian troops, is expected to pass a referendum renouncing its non-nuclear weapons status, opening the possibility of Russian nuclear weapons on its soil.

• Today (2/27), Putin ordered Russian nuclear forces on high alert in response to what he deemed NATO’s “aggressive statements.”

• Also today, Ukrainian president Vladmir Zelensky announced Ukraine would meet Russia for peace talks “without preconditions” on the border between Ukraine and Belarus.

As we move into next week and events continue to unfold we, in partnership with Global Zero, will continue to monitor what is happening in Ukraine. For up to date information follow Global Zero and watch out for our urgent action appeals as they become strategic.  

With NATO and Russian forces operating in close proximity, it only takes one mistake, misinterpretation, or miscalculation during a close encounter or military exercise to spiral to direct conflict that could escalate to nuclear use. This is why arms control measures and diplomacy are vital and why we must continue to fight for a world that has moved beyond the bomb.

In solidarity,

Ellen and the Beyond the Bomb team