RPCVs from Ukraine call for action from the US Government.

Putin is targeting a democratic nation that, for years, has pursued values essential to the foundation of free states: the freedom to choose your leaders and the rule of law by a democratic government. Peace Corps volunteers who served in Ukraine, living and working alongside Ukrainian people and civic organizations are calling for this response. The US has sent thousands of volunteers over the past 30 years in the spirit of collaborative partnership and goodwill. We were welcomed into communities across the country. Now, we continue to serve the values of the Peace Corps and the people of Ukraine through this call to action. Please “close the sky” over Ukraine! Provide the support needed to stop the bombing of civilians now!

Putin is deceiving the world and attempting to manufacture reality by lying about his reasons for invading Ukraine. He lied to the Russians, telling them Ukraine is controlled by Nazis and is somehow, preposterously, a threat to Russia’s security. He lied about a cease-fire agreement that would allow civilians to escape from war zones. He is lying about any plans to stop this war. 

Putin is a grave threat to the world, not just to Russia and not just to his neighbors. He’s a fundamental threat to everything that democracy stands for or is meant to stand for. And we will have to make some real sacrifices to defeat him.  

We stand in solidarity with this nation that represents democracy in the west, along with the people who welcomed U.S. Peace Corps volunteers into their hearts and their homes after a century of subjugation and starvation. Please provide support at this critical time. As of today, Russia has cut off sources of heat, electricity, and water across major cities by employing medieval siege tactics. President Zelensky has appealed to the west for aid as his people face the terror of war crimes. Please ‘close the sky’ over Ukraine for the sake of people’s lives — the invaluable, irreplaceable lives of human beings caught in an unprovoked war. Ukraine now stands between a dictator’s brutal ambitions and the rest of the world. Do not let them stand alone.