Statement: On
the first anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, The
Elders call on all UN member states to condemn President Putin’s latest
efforts to escalate his illegal war on Ukraine through suspending
Russia’s participation in New START (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty).
We
urge Russia and the United States to return to dialogue to manage the
risks of nuclear weapons, which are particularly high at times of
increased global tensions.
President
Putin’s action increases the existential threat of nuclear catastrophe
for humanity and risks the safety and security of all nations. It runs
contrary to Russia’s own security interests, and raises the alarming
prospect of a world
without any constraints on the arsenals of the two nuclear superpowers –
Russia and the United States – for the first time since 1972.
Russia’s
actions further underline the importance of global unity in support of
Ukraine’s sovereignty, and against President Putin’s cynical use of
nuclear blackmail to further his belligerent ambitions.
Neutrality
is not a moral option in the face of Russia’s war of aggression, and it
is in the interest of all states to make clear that violations of the
UN Charter and international law will not go unpunished.
Despite
the dangerous actions of the Russian government, we still believe that
dialogue remains the only effective way to limit nuclear risks and
prevent a
new self-defeating arms race taking hold between the main nuclear
powers.
To avoid further
exacerbating tensions, we urge Russia to continue to observe New START
limits even while it has suspended implementation of the treaty. We
recognise the measured response from the US government so far, and
encourage the US to preserve space for restoring Russian compliance with
the treaty should circumstances change.
Mary Robinson, Chair of The Elders and former President of Ireland, said:
“President
Putin’s suspension of New START participation is another worrying
attempt to use nuclear sabre-rattling to further his war of aggression
against Ukraine. This is in direct violation of Russia’s
international obligations under the Non-Proliferation Treaty to pursue
nuclear disarmament in good faith. The world must respond with a united
voice to condemn Russia’s dangerous actions and to pressure them to
reverse course.”
Ban Ki-moon, Deputy Chair of The Elders and former Secretary-General of the United Nations, said:
“I
am alarmed at Russia’s decision to suspend participation in New START,
which risks fuelling a dangerous and expensive new arms race with
unpredictable consequences for the entire world. Such an outcome would
be in the interests of no-one, including the people of Russia. This
requires a sober response from the United States and the broader
international community to persuade Russia to return to compliance with
the treaty
while making clear that the world will not be held hostage by President
Putin’s nuclear blackmail.”
ENDS
