Korean YMCA Issues Statement Condemning Russia... "Peace Is the Only Way"

"Russian Invasion, War Crime Undermining the Foundations of World Peace and Democracy"
"Will Resist Russian War Actions Through Peaceful Actions"

'Statement by Korea YMCA Demanding the Halt of the Invasion of Ukraine and the Establishment of Peace' Photo by Korea YMCA National Federation

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kang Woo-seok] The Korea YMCA issued a statement on the 2nd condemning Russia's invasion of Ukraine and calling for peacebuilding.

In the "Korea YMCA Statement Demanding the Halt of the Ukraine Invasion and Peacebuilding" released that day, the Korea YMCA stated, "Since the forced annexation of the Crimean Peninsula, Russia has continuously provoked war against Ukraine, causing tension among European countries and the entire world," and criticized, "Eventually, Russia launched an attack on Ukraine, resulting in over 450 casualties within a day of the invasion and is carrying out a strong military operation, including the siege of Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine."

It continued, "Russia attacked under the pretext of concerns over Ukraine's NATO membership, but this is an illegal act that directly violates the fundamental principles of international law and the UN Charter," and pointed out, "This invasion of Ukraine by Russia is not a matter between two countries but a provocative act that destroys the international order worldwide, and it is clearly a war crime that shakes the foundation of world peace and democracy."

The YMCA stated, "War itself is a crime against humanity," and added, "Although 72 years have passed since the outbreak of the Korean War, as citizens of the Korean Peninsula still suffering the pain of division due to the failure to convert the armistice agreement into a declaration of the end of the war and a peace treaty, we cannot help but feel sorrow when thinking about the human casualties and the pain that will continue across generations caused by this war (Russia-Ukraine)."

Furthermore, it emphasized, "We demand that Russia immediately cease all military actions that destroy life and peace, faithfully implement the Budapest Memorandum, and pay the price for its illegal actions so far," and urged, "All governments and international organizations in Europe and the international community must demonstrate maximum solidarity and diplomatic efforts to restrain (Russia's) use of force and find peaceful solutions."

The YMCA declared, "We will stand in solidarity for the lives and peace of Ukrainian citizens and unite with global citizens through peace actions to resist until Russia stops the war."

This statement was supported by 68 Korea YMCA branches, including the Korea YMCA National Federation and the Korea University YMCA National Federation.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.