IPAN’s position on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
From the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, IPAN has consistently opposed the invasion of Ukraine. (https://ipan.org.au/no-war-ipan-calls-for-an-immediate-ceasefire-and-negotiations-in-ukraine-26-february-2022/
IPAN supports UN calls for an immediate ceasefire by all parties and a de-escalation of the conflict. Genuine negotiations must take place, leading to a peaceful solution to the present crisis.
IPAN categorically opposes:
- wars of aggression
- foreign military occupations and incursions on sovereign countries, including the Russian invasion of Ukraine
- political and military interference by foreign powers in the internal affairs of countries
- deliberate acts of military and political provocations leading to military conflicts and war
- economic sanctions that impose severe hardship on the lives of ordinary people.
There is a complex, historical context to the current war which needs to be understood. IPAN recognises there are many diverse views on this war among many genuine peace-loving people across the world. In a world flooded with relentless propaganda it is often hard to discern the truth from manufactured lies by big powers’ vested interests who benefit from continuing this senseless, and bloody war. Truth is always the first casualty of imperial wars.
IPAN upholds the sovereign rights of people and countries to determine their future without the political or military interference by foreign powers. IPAN holds concerns that the Ukrainian and Russian people are being used as proxies in a war between two competing powers: US-NATO and Russia. The casualties and collateral damage of these big powers’ proxy war are the people of Ukraine, Russia and the world. The only winners are the multinational weapons and fossil fuel corporations on both sides which are profiting massively from the continuation of this war.
We stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and Russia.
We have no doubt that the unfolding catastrophe for the Ukrainian people and the world could have been avoided. A peaceful way could have been found to resolve the conflict and for the people of Ukraine and Russia to live in peace without the political interference, military expansions and invasions by foreign powers.
IPAN is a broad national network of over 60 organisations and 100 individuals.
From its origins in September 2012, IPAN’s main focus and objectives have been building a movement for an independent and peaceful Australian foreign policy, and disentangling Australia from US wars. We call for an end to the AUKUS war alliance, the cancellation of the $368 billion nuclear submarine deal and the withdrawal of Australia’s involvement in US-led wars.
Members of IPAN are also calling for an end to US-Australia military alliance, and independence from all big powers.
7 May, 2023.