Following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s order to deploy Russian troops to eastern Ukraine, the deployed forces on February 24 launched attacks on military installations in Ukraine’s capital of Kyiv and other areas. In his speech on the same day, President Putin unilaterally recognized the “independence” of pro-Russian controlled regions of eastern Ukraine and stated that the military action was in collective self-defense under the UN Charter and for peacekeeping.

These actions are absolutely unacceptable as they deny Ukraine’s status as an independent sovereign nation and threaten its sovereignty, political independence, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. This military attack is an act of aggression in violation of the principles of the UN Charter and of international law and an invasion of other country’s territory without consent through the use of armed force. We firmly protest against this outrage that shakes the foundation of the international order and peace and call for the immediate cessation of the military invasion.

The UN and European countries are condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and demanding an immediate halt to the attacks. The international community needs to press Russia to withdraw its troops immediately and resolve the situation urgently without using force and in accordance with the UN Charter and international law. The Japanese government should cooperate with the international community and do its utmost to swiftly stop the military invasion.

President Putin stated on February 24, “As for military affairs, even after the dissolution of the USSR and losing a considerable part of its capabilities, today’s Russia remains one of the most powerful nuclear states”, and, “there should be no doubt for anyone that any potential aggressor will face defeat and ominous consequences should it directly attack our country,” warning the international community with the threat of the use of nuclear weapons. His statement goes against the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons that prohibits the threat of nuclear weapons in addition to development, manufacture, and stockpiling of such weapons. It is clear that the use of nuclear weapons would have catastrophic impacts on the earth and humanity.

In its mission statement, the Japan Federation of Democratic Medical Institutions opposes any war policy that destroys life and health of human beings as well as calls for the abolition of nuclear weapons and protection of peace and the environment. We condemn Russia’s military invasion disregarding human life.

February 26, 2022
Japan Federation of Democratic Medical Institutions