Dear CCI Friends,
Although there is virtually no coverage in US media on the current situation brewing in Ukraine, I believe it warrants the attention and concern of all of us who are working to improve relations between our country and Russia.
As you know, following President Biden’s insulting language about President Putin in mid-March, the Kremlin recalled its Ambassador to the United States warning of the possibility of an irreversible deterioration in relations. Shortly thereafter, President Zelensky signed a decree on a strategy for the “de-occupation” of Crimea by Russia and the re-integration of the peninsula into Ukraine. In recent weeks, Ukrainian military forces have moved into place at the border of the Donbass, Russia has sent its military units to the border with Ukraine for “exercises,” and according to some observers including our friends in Yalta, Russia is increasing its military presence in Crimea.
All of these ominous occurrences are happening at a time when the United States has no diplomatic relations with Russia nor is there any indication that either our President or our State Department desires any. Can it be that the official position of the United States is in favor of war?
At the holiest time of year for Western Christianity, I would suggest that all of us who adhere to any religion, philosophy or tradition based on a concept of tolerant and respectful co-existence with our neighbors commit our prayers and meditations for peace.
Happy Easter to you all.
Paula Day
CCI Advisor, responding earlier for Sharon