The list of signatories and the letter of support can be viewed at the link.
In their letter, scientists compared Russia to Nazi Germany in 1939.
“In a move that recalls the infamous attack of Nazi Germany on Poland in 1939 (using similar tricks of feigned provocation) and on the Soviet Union in 1941, the government of the Russian Federation, led by President Putin, has launched an unprovoked military aggression – nothing else but a war – against its neighbor, Ukraine,” – reads the letter.
The Nobel laureates noted that they choose their words carefully, for they do not believe the Russian people have a role in this aggression. They condemn those military actions and Putin’s denial of the legitimacy of Ukraine’s existence.
“There is always a peaceful way to resolve disputes. The Russian invasion blatantly violates the United Nations Charter, which says “All members shall refrain in their international relations from threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state,” – added the scientists.
In addition, the invasion ignores the Budapest Memorandum of 1994, which obligated Russia and others to respect the sovereignty, independence, and existing borders of Ukraine. The Nobel laureates noted that the security concerns of the aggressor country could be addressed within the framework of the UN Charter, the 1975 Helsinki Final Act, and the 1990 Paris Charter.
“To make war, as President Putin and his collaborators have done, is an unwarranted, bloody, and unproductive way to a future. The Russian invasion will stain the international reputation of the Russian state for decades to come. It will pose barriers to its economy and inflict hardships on its population,” – was added in the letter.
The harsh sanctions imposed on Russia will restrict the ease of movement of talented and hard-working citizens of the aggressor country around the world.
“It’s so sad, so unnecessary. We gather in this appeal to call upon the Russian government to stop its invasion of Ukraine and withdraw its military forces from Ukraine. We respect the calm and strength of the Ukrainian people. We are with you,” – accentuated the Nobel laureates, who hope that peace will return to the world.
