Asia-Pacific leaders warn of nuclear risk as they condemn Russian invasion of Ukraine

7 Mar 2022 | APLN

THE WASHINGTON POST

More than 50 senior military, diplomatic, academic and political figures from across the Asia-Pacific region signed a statement released Monday calling for and end “to Russia’s legally and morally indefensible aggression against Ukraine,” highlighting the risk of nuclear escalation.

“Nuclear-armed powers must maintain restraint,” the statement read. “Events in Europe prove that we need to work harder and faster to ensure that nuclear weapons are put beyond use and eventually eliminated.”

Coordinated by the Asia-Pacific Leadership Network for Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament, which includes leaders from Pakistan, China and India, the statement also called for immediate action to alleviate the worsening humanitarian crisis on the ground.

“Those in need require prompt, safe and unfettered access to humanitarian aid,” the statement said. “We urge political leaders to show courage and take the necessary steps to end hostilities and pursue a political solution to the war.”

Among those who signed are former Australian prime minister Julia Gillard; former New Zealand prime ministers Jim Bolger, Helen Clark and Geoffrey Palmer; and former U.N. undersecretaries general for disarmament affairs Nobuyasu Abe and Won-Soo Kim; among others.

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