Statement on Russian government’s invasion of Ukraine

Greenpeace

The following comments can be attributed to Greenpeace Australia Pacific CEO, David Ritter

“Greenpeace Australia Pacific condemns the Russian government’s barbaric invasion of Ukraine and calls on President Putin to withdraw his forces and cease military operations.

“Greenpeace abhors Putin’s threats to use nuclear weapons and urges world leaders not to play into his hands by matching his rhetoric and escalating the threat of nuclear war.

“Greenpeace is deeply concerned about the Russian military’s occupation of Chernobyl and fighting around the Enerhodar power station and other nuclear facilities across Ukraine, which risks a potential nuclear disaster.

“As this terrible conflict enters its second week there is also a real risk that the humanitarian tragedy worsens as access to food becomes more difficult.

“The international community must do everything in its power to bring this war to a fast and peaceful end, especially including ramping up sanctions on the greedy fossil fuel oligarchs who benefit from the system. It is these oligarchs and not the Russian people, who are behind the war unfolding now.

“Greenpeace stands in solidarity with the organizations and activists taking to the streets around the world to peacefully demand an end to this disastrous war, especially those in Russia, who are risking their safety and freedom to do so.”

/Public Release. View in full here.