In a direct appeal, former American soldiers who opposed U.S. wars in Vietnam and Iraq are urging Russian soldiers to "listen to their conscience" when ordered to fight an illegal war of aggression against the people of Ukraine. Signers are asking the United States and the governments of Europe to grant asylum and provide legal assistance for Russian soldiers who refuse to participate in Putin's war.
The signers of the open letter are American veterans from the Vietnam or Iraq wars who protested, published antiwar newspapers or blogs, refused orders and deserted. Many faced legal charges or punishments for their actions, but they resisted, the letter states, because they could not in good conscience support “wars of aggression” against innocent civilians.
Supporting the cause of peace, the signers of the letter urge Russian soldiers and officers to follow the path of justice and truth.
View the full letter