As the Austrian European WILPF Section and members of WILPF International, we are deeply alarmed and shocked about the missile attack on Ukraine on Sunday 13 April by President Putin’s armed forces. The attack on Sumy, Ukraine, reportedly killed at least 34 civilians, including two children and, in addition, we are deeply disturbed about the recent deadly drone strikes on Ukraine killing a 12-year-old girl and injuring many people. President Putin launches these attacks while pretending to be negotiating for a ceasefire and, at the same time, refusing the proposal from the USA for an immediate and complete 30-day halt in the fighting.
We demand an immediate and unconditional end all fighting and killing to spare the lives of more and more children, civilians and soldiers. The death toll is huge, and more and more people will be killed in this senseless war.
We strongly emphasise that attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure are prohibited under international humanitarian law, and demand that all such attacks must end immediately.
We support the calls from the Secretary-General of the United Nations for an enduring ceasefire in Ukraine. In line with the UN Charter, international law and relevant UN resolutions, we demand that all members and institutions of the United Nations strengthen their efforts for a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in Ukraine that fully upholds the UN Charter principles of sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of all countries.
This is not solely a matter between two or three countries – this senseless war concerns every citizen and every country around the world.