EARTH FUTURE ACTION
At Earth Future Action, we absolutely condemn Russia's invasion of Ukraine. This is a personal issue for us. We have friends in Ukraine, and this is why we have supported giving aid to Ukraine.
However, the war in Ukraine is a very dangerous situation that needs to be de-escalated as soon as possible.
Supporters of the war assured us that the "counter offensive" of 2023 would produce a great Ukrainian victory. In reality it totally failed.
The war in Ukraine is a direct threat to the survival of the
planet. It can directly lead to a nuclear war between the world's two largest
nuclear powers; this is a fact. Meanwhile, it has been an appallingly bloody war
in terms of casualties, killing hundreds of thousands. One thing the war is not
doing is saving Ukraine from disaster. It has prevented Russia from conquering
Ukraine, which is important. However, Ukraine is being destroyed by this war,
and Western leaders who egg on the war are not helping Ukraine. They are only
destroying Ukraine. Indeed, there is reason to question the integrity of some of
these leaders. There is reason to believe that they want to use the Ukrainian
people as cannon fodder as part of a mad scheme to topple President Putin
somehow and replace him with some fantasy figure who exists only in their heads.
It is a disgrace that the Biden administration made no efforts to end this
disastrous war. If the nuclear threat alone is not severe enough in terms of
atomic weapons, there is also the fact that there are a whole series of giant
nuclear power plants in the middle of their conflict zones. If the war
continues, it's only a matter of time before some plants are destroyed. So, the
time for peace is now, and we call for an immediate ceasefire! Details for
what's to come can be figured out later, but the war needs to stop now!
THE THREAT OF A GLOBAL NUCLEAR WAR
Continuing this war could lead to a nuclear war, which would end life for a good part of the planet. On March 25th, 2023, Russian President Putin announced plans to station tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus as a warning to the West. There is very good reason to take Putin's threats of nuclear war seriously.
President Joe Biden's November 17, 2024, decision to
authorize the provision of long-range missiles to Ukraine has significantly
escalated tensions between the United States and Russia, further straining an
already fraught relationship. Moscow's reaction was swift and severe,
with Russian officials lowering their nuclear-use threshold and accusing the
United States of direct involvement in the ongoing conflict.
Russia's framing of the U.S. decision as
an aggressive act has sparked condemnation from its key allies, including China
and North Korea. These nations have labeled the policy shift as a reckless
provocation, warning of the risks of a broader conflict that could spiral into
nuclear escalation. The rhetoric surrounding these actions has fueled fears of
an irreversible slide toward a global catastrophe.
Beijing has used the situation to
strengthen its narrative of U.S. hegemony and interference in regional
conflicts, further aligning itself with Russia to counter Western influence.
Meanwhile, North Korea has amplified its nuclear rhetoric, using the crisis as
justification for its aggressive weapons development program and its
antagonistic stance toward the United States. The growing alignment of Russia,
China, and North Korea on this issue highlights an emerging axis of opposition
to Western powers.
The Biden administration's decision crossed a threshold many
experts believe Russia views as a "red line." The specter of nuclear conflict
looms more prominent than it has in decades, with the stakes of the U.S.-Russia
dynamic extending far beyond the borders of Ukraine. Without meaningful
engagement and a commitment to de-escalation, the possibility of a catastrophic
global conflict leading to all-out nuclear war becomes alarmingly real.
According to the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, the doomsday clock (which measures the chance of a global catastrophe) is closer to midnight than it has ever been, even closer than it was during the height of the Cold War.
DANGER OF CHINESE INTERVENTION
It seems very doubtful to us that China will allow Russia to lose.
THE CURRENT COST IN HUMAN LIVES
As of February 13, 2025, the estimated death toll from Russia's war in Ukraine stands at approximately 147,600 people, including around 45,100 Ukrainian soldiers, 90,000 Russian soldiers, and 12,500 Ukrainian civilians, according to United Nations estimates and media investigations. Ukrainian military injuries are reported at 390,000, while Russian military casualties (including both killed and wounded) are estimated between 138,500 and 200,000, though exact numbers remain unclear. Civilian injury figures were not specified. These numbers are based on official statements, media investigations, and UN reports. However, the actual toll is likely higher due to unreported cases and data collection challenges in conflict zones. The number of internally displaced Ukrainians stands at roughly 4 million. An additional 6.8 million Ukrainian refugees have fled to other countries in Europe—the largest wave of refugees on the continent since the end of the Second World War.
ZELENSKY'S APPROVAL RATINGS AND POPULARITY PLUMMET AS WAR DRAGS ON
President Volodymyr Zelensky's approval ratings in Ukraine have experienced a notable decline since the onset of the Russian invasion in February 2022. Initially, his leadership during the crisis garnered overwhelming support, with approval ratings soaring to approximately 90% in early 2022. However, by August 2024, this figure had decreased to 60%, marking the lowest point since the war began. Only 16% of Ukrainians said they would vote to re-elect Zelensky, while 60% prefer he not seek a second term.
UKRAINIANS WANT PEACE EVEN IF IT MEANS MAKING CONCESSIONS WITH RUSSIA
Recent public opinion polls indicate a significant shift among Ukrainians toward favoring peace negotiations with Russia, even if it involves territorial concessions. A Gallup survey conducted in October 2024 revealed that 52% of Ukrainians support initiating peace talks to end the conflict promptly, marking the first time a majority has held this view since the war's onset in February 2022.
THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATON HAS URGED UKRAINE TO LOWER CONSCRIPTION AGE
TO 18
The Biden administration has urged Ukraine to lower its conscription age from 25
to 18 to address a significant manpower shortage amid ongoing conflict with
Russia.
National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan highlighted the importance of manpower
in Ukraine's defense strategy, stating that while weapon systems are
crucial, the number of forces on the front lines is vital.
Despite these recommendations,
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has resisted lowering the conscription
age, citing demographic concerns and emphasizing the need for timely delivery of
Western weaponry.
Presidential
Communications Advisor Dmytro Lytvyn noted that Ukraine lacks the necessary
equipment for new recruits due to delays in promised aid, arguing that
drafting younger individuals cannot compensate for these shortcomings.
THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATON SEEKS AN ADDITIONAL $24 BILLION FOR UKRAINE
President Joe Biden, before leaving office, urged Congress to approve an additional $24 billion in funding to support Ukraine in its ongoing battle against Russian aggression. The proposed funding would encompass military, economic, and humanitarian assistance, reflecting a continued U.S. effort to counteract Russia's advances and bolster Ukraine's resilience. The appeal comes amid debates in Congress regarding the scale and duration of U.S. involvement in the conflict.
WAR NEAR EUROPE'S LARGEST NUCLEAR POWER PLANT
Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in southeastern
Ukraine is the largest nuclear power plant in Europe and among the 10
largest in the world. The continuation of the war in Ukraine increases
the likelihood of a potentially catastrophic nuclear accident far worse
than Chernobyl. Some argue that a meltdown at Zaporizhzhia would be
safer because of the use of pressurized (VVER) water reactors with
containment buildings to prevent radioactive leakage, which is generally
safer. However, there are still safety concerns. There would be a
bigger chance of a nuclear accident if Russia's soldiers took out the
plant's backup diesel generators. The Fukushima nuclear tragedy, for
example, occurred because backup power was taken out by the 2011 tsunami
in Japan.
The head of the U.N.’s atomic energy watchdog also spoke out about this situation as a very dangerous threat.
CLUSTER BOMBS
A sign of desperation on the part of the Biden administration was the decision commit what many regard as a war crime, the use of cluster bombs. Over 120 countries, including 23 NATO countries, ban them under the Convention on Cluster Munitions Treaty. In a letter to Biden from the U.S. Cluster Munition Coalition, over 30 organizations warned President Biden against the dangers of transferring cluster munitions to Ukraine. According to Politico, 14 Senate Democrats wrote to national security adviser Jake Sullivan that “the humanitarian costs and damage to coalition unity of providing U.S. cluster munitions would outweigh the tactical benefits, and urge the president not to approve such a transfer.” (Politico, 6/29/23)
Several high-ranking House Democrats joined human rights groups in expressing dismay over President Biden's decision to supply Ukraine with cluster munitions; this includes Betty McCollum (D-Minn.), ranking member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense; Jim McGovern (D-Mass.), ranking member of the House Rules Committee; Barbara Lee (D-Calif.), ranking member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs; along with Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.) and Ilhan Omar (D-Minn).
The House on the night of July 13th, voted down an amendment to the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act that would have prohibited the transfer of cluster munitions to Ukraine. You can see the vote here.
Officials also suggest Ukraine is not tracking where it's using U.S. cluster bombs. (Anti-War, 8-21-23)
A UN expert has also urged the US government to review their decision to transfer cluster munitions to Ukraine. (United Nations, 9-20-23)
LONG-RANGE MISSLES AND LANDMINES
The Biden administration has escalated U.S.
involvement in the Ukraine-Russia conflict by authorizing the use of
U.S.-supplied long-range missiles and antipersonnel landmines.
This action marks a significant shift in U.S. policy,
enabling Ukraine to strike critical Russian infrastructure and bolster defenses
in contested regions. However, the use of controversial weapons like
antipersonnel mines raises ethical questions and the risks of long-term harm to
civilian populations while potentially undermining international support for
Ukraine.
UNDERSTANDING UKRAINE'S HISTORY AND ETHNIC BACKGROUND
It's important to understand that the south-eastern territories of Ukraine have a high percentage of ethnically Russian people and Russian speaking people. So the war in Ukraine is more complicated than many people in the West are lead to believe.
GLOBAL ECONOMIC COLLAPSE AND GLOBAL HUNGER
A continuation of the war could also mean global economic collapse and world wide famine. The war is already having global economic consequences as well as consequences on global hunger. And the breach of the Kakhovka dam is likely to make matters much worse. Ukraine and Russia are the world's top exporters of wheat. The head of the World Bank has stated that we are facing a threat of imminent human catastrophe. The head of the African Union has warned that the war in Ukraine is causing a threat to food security in Africa. Due to the complexity of western sanctions and the war it is not going to be possible to resume vital food shipment without a ceasefire. There's a very realistic danger of millions dying in a global famine. The sanctions so far are doing huge damage to western economies (look at the semiconductor industry). We don't disagree with all the sanctions, and think some should stay. However, we shouldn't have sanctions that are going to harm our own economic interests. In a ceasefire they need to be changed.
There is also the damage to the Nord Stream pipelines. This could cause a good part of Europe to have an energy crisis and a social catastrophe if it cannot be repaired.
THE KAKHOVKA DAM BREACH NOW THREATENS THE GLOBAL FOOD SUPPLY
Ever since the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam and hydroelectric power station on June 6th, 2023, tens of thousands of people have had to be evacuated from the area. People living in the area now must contend with the risk of disease and floating land mines. Yet in addition to the cost to the locals, this will have worldwide effects as well. The destruction of the dam has led to fears that a depleted reservoir will leave three critical regions in Ukraine’s bread basket without a key water supply. This has led to warnings about the region and the world’s food supply, with Ukraine accounting for 40% of global trade in sunflower meal, 35% of sunflower oil, and 5% of wheat, barley, and corn exports. This is yet another example of how there is no such thing as a nice, neat contained war. The effects of the war in Ukraine have already impacted the world, and as long as the war goes on, it will only get worse. .
WHAT IS THE U.S. END GAME IN THE WAR?
The situation in Ukraine needs to move to an end game of peace in Europe. Unfortunately, it is not clear what the end game of the U.S. government is. Is peace their end game? Or is it their interest to use Ukraine to weaken Russia as a world power? The latter is a very dangerous strategy. And the missiles that hit Poland in November are not a good sign.
So far, there has been a troubling lack of a commitment to peace coming from the U.S. What is particularly insane is that U.S. officials have been saying they would rule out pushing Ukraine to negotiate with Russia, even though they privately admit that neither Russia or Ukraine is capable of winning the war outright. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has also stated that he will not negotiate with Russia as long as President Vladimir Putin remains in power. Is it realistic that Putin is going to resign any time soon? We think not.
Four star general and Joint Chiefs chair, Mark Milley, stated during an appearance at the Economic Club of New York that a victory by Ukraine may not be achieved militarily. (Politico, 11-14-22)
So what is the end game then? Endless fighting? What will that achieve? The current strategy is likely to cause an escalation to an even wider war. And there is no such thing as a "winnable nuclear war." In nuclear war, everyone loses. The entire planet loses. It's game over for a good majority of the human race. So the current U.S. strategy is a study in insanity.
While we don't claim to have all the answers, we know that what needs to happen next should happen at the negotiating table, not the battlefield.
GLOBAL SUPPORT FOR PEACE
Sixty-six nations at the UN General Assembly have called for an end to the war (Common Dreams, 9-29-22).
There have also been protests for peace in both Germany and the U.S. On February 25th, there was a peace march in Germany with 50,000 people. And on March 18th, there was a peace protest in the U.S. with thousands of anti-war protesters gathered in front of the White House. Nearly 300 organizations supported the protest.
Also, only a minority of the world's population condemns Russia.
AMERICAN SUPPORT FOR PEACE
The American people also agree with the rest of the world. Poll: 60% of Americans support quick diplomatic end to war in Ukraine.
And most American people do not support more aid for the Ukraine war. See the poll here.
Given the dangers of nuclear war, the current situation with global hunger, and the unlikely chance that Ukraine will win the war out right, it is a matter of global security to end this war as soon as possible.
We call on The United States Government, to work for a viable plan for peace, for a plan to end the crisis that began in 2014.
What needs to happen to end the war? We have some ideas. It involves unhappy choices for all.
An immediate ceasefire needs to take place. Negotiations need to happen.
The West needs to renegotiate sanctions that are harming the global poor, along with Western economic interests.
Ukraine may have to accept the loss of Crimea and some of their Eastern territories. While we understand that this is a controversial point, it is important to understand the ethnic makeup of Eastern Ukraine. The majority of people in these territories are ethnically Russian and have a history connected to Russia. So the situation is not as simple as many people in the West may believe.
Our planet needs to come together to deal with climate change and other threats to our survival (such as the pandemic).
Our plan is not perfect. Better plans may exist. But it's time for action to help the people of Ukraine. Many have already died. They cannot wait.
ALSO NOTE: If the war cannot be ended soon, we call for a limited No Fly Zone in western Ukraine. The people of Ukraine need protection.
OUR RELATED ARTICLES
Biden Approves Ukraine's Use of U.S. Long-Range Missiles, Sparking World War III Concerns
The U.S. Should Not Give Cluster Bombs to Ukraine
Is the U.S. Writing Ukraine a Blank Check?
The Cost of Sanctions for The West
How to Help the People of Ukraine
RELATED ARTICLES
Trump’s call with Putin ends U.S. efforts to isolate Russia (AP News, 2-13-25)
Exclusive: US will push European allies to buy more arms for Ukraine, say sources (Reuters, 2-10-25)
Ukrainians condemn US call to lower conscription age amid Russia’s war (Al Jazeera,12-3-24)
Zelensky More Unpopular Than Ever After Nearly 3 Years Of War: Mainstream Media Admits (ZeroHedge, 12-1-24)
Ukraine's approval for Zelensky drops to 60%, Gallup poll shows (The Hill, 11-21-24)
Record high deaths in the Russia-Ukraine war: What you should know (Al Jazeera, 10-16-24)
Don’t Let Ukraine Become Another Forever War (Common Dreams, 8-15-23)
Biden Administration Poised to Supply Ukraine With Banned Cluster Bombs (Common Dreams, 7-1-23) Letter from CMC to Biden
'A Terrible Mistake': Key Dems Oppose Biden's Move to Send Cluster Munitions to Ukraine (Common Dreams, 7-8-23)
Putin says Russia will station tactical nukes in Belarus (AP News, 3-25-23)
SUPPORT FOR PEACE IN UKRAINE
We Call For Democracy in Ukraine (Earth Future Action Report)
Most Americans don’t want Congress to approve more aid for Ukraine war (Responsible Statecraft, 8-4-23) See poll here
Russia-Ukraine War: The U.S. Should Be a Force for Peace (Eisenhower Media Network)
US National Security Experts: Give Peace in Ukraine a Chance (Common Dreams, 5-16-23)
Only 15.2% Of The World's Population Condemns Russia (Zero Hedge, 5-11-23)
GOP LETTER
GOP Letter on Spending in Ukraine PDF (9-21-23)
The above letter is from a collection of Republican senators and representatives to the Office of Management and Budget.
The letter is inquiring about why an additional $24 billion in aid has been requested for Ukraine.
They are also asking if there is an exit plan for Ukraine, if things have improved in 6 months, or if the war is supposed to go on indefinitely.
FACTS ABOUT THE CONFLICT IN UKRAINE
See Our Fact Sheet on the Crisis
UN Report on the Effect of Ukraine War on Global Food Supply (UN, 2022)
Ukraine in maps: Tracking the war with Russia (BBC, 9-22-22)
Putin threatens to use nuclear weapons as he escalates his invasion of Ukraine: 'This is not a bluff' (Business Insider, 9-20-22)
GAS EXPORTS
Chipmakers brace for trouble as Russia limits rare gases exports
Nord Stream pipeline leaks spark sabotage fears (Axios, 9-27-22)
TREATIES
Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe
Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty
RUSSIAN PEACE PROPOSALS
We do not support the Russian Proposals. However, we are supplying a link to what Russia said in the interest of providing documentary material to educate our readers.
We put their material on our site since the Russian sites have usually not been reachable