Time/way past time for negotiated settlement in Ukraine

Benjamin Tells Colorado Springs Audience That Ceasefire Talks Are Long Overdue

Medea Benjamin, co-founder of CODEPINK, was in Colorado Springs on April 5, 2023, as part of her travels promoting her new book:  Making Sense of a Senseless Conflict.   She was at the Chinook Center and, due to the small number in attendance, there was a friendly informal atmosphere.  Benjamin spoke briefly and then showed a video she described as a summary of her book.  The video is available at codepink.org.  Clicking on “Peace in Ukraine” will give access to the 18-minute video, well worth the time whether one would agree with her analysis of the “senseless war” or not.

The video describes in some detail the steps taken by the U.S. and NATO in their relations with Ukraine (and other former Soviet states) since the breakup of the Soviet Union.  These facts are generally missing from the narrative we hear about the war in Ukraine which is described as beginning with the “unprovoked” attack by Russia in February, 2022.  Benjamin and Code Pink condemn the Russian attack and invasion as illegal but provide fuller context to the relations between the “west” and Russia.  Their position now is there must be a ceasefire and the killing must stop.

After the film, there was an informative give and take discussion about the war and the position of the adversaries.  The efforts for a ceasefire were discussed and how Ukraine was discouraged by the U.S. and the United Kingdom from completing peace negotiations with Russia in March, 2022.  Benjamin repeatedly emphasized the need for working for and advocating for U.S. engagement with efforts for a ceasefire and to stop the killing.

Call Sen. Hickenlooper (303-244-1628) and Sen. Michael Bennet (303-455-7600).  Even call local Rep. Doug Lamborn (719-520-0055). Our representatives do keep track of calls from constituents.  Tell them the U.S. needs to change its position to favor negotiations.  (Also, we need the money here in our country more than Ukraine does.)