Bringing Russian and American citizens together in Peace since 1983.
Dear CCI Friends,
American TV channels are carrying news tonight about Russia’s “invasion of Ukraine.” At this point it’s not clear if it is only the Donbass region in which primarily Russian citizens live.
For many decades the two lived together with few challenges; however, it’s become more difficult since the early 2000s. More to follow on this situation tomorrow when more is known.
Sharon Tennison
Center for Citizen Initiatives
Dear CCI Readers,
Again we are grateful to send you Natylie Baldwin’s analysis about Vladimir Putin’s unexpected moves regarding the Donbass yesterday.
These actions will be debated, reviled, resisted, excoriated for years to come. But the endless warring of the past will be over. Hopefully the Donbass will slowly begin to experience the magnificent improvements that Crimea is now showing.
Sharon Tennison
Center for Citizen Initiatives
Dear CCI Friends,
The devil is in the details when it comes to international law it seems. A treasured CCI couple wrote convinced that Putin had broken international law by rejoining Crimea and Russia, among other issues. I took it to Ambassador Jack Matlock, who gave the rationale that it would be considered as permissible today, along with the process by which that decision would be made.
Thankfully, Jack is still alive and has the memory of a 25 year old! I thought you might be interested in how international laws are interpreted over the span of time.
Sharon Tennison
Center for Citizen Initiatives
Dear CCI Readers,
Nicolai Petro, Professor of Peace and Nonviolence at the University of Rhode Island and a Fulbright Scholar in Ukraine from 2013–14, send me the article and following note:
“The article below, by award winning journalist Cain Burdeau, is among the best available at explaining the long, historic challenges within today’s Ukraine. The current situation cannot be understood without deeper knowledge of the different communities that co-exist there.”
Sharon Tennison
Center for Citizen Initiatives
Dear CCI Friends,
I’ve just completed reading Ambassador Jack Matlock’s latest release of information which is known only by top officials who never address these issues outside their hallowed halls.
Ambassador Matlock also takes on the topic of Vladimir Putin that makes sense given the world in which we find ourselves today.
Sharon Tennison
Center for Citizen Initiatives