The regime of Russian President Vladimir Putin represents a clear and immediate threat to humanity, writes the appeal signed by 40 Nobel Prize winners and about 200 world scientists.
"Two years ago, Vladimir Putin launched an unprovoked, full-scale military aggression against Ukraine, resulting in death and destruction not seen since World War II. The war against Ukraine has coincided with a growing and serious crackdown on political dissent and free speech in Russia. Recently The world was rocked by the death of Alexei Navalny, Putin's main political opponent. Before being imprisoned, where he was tortured and killed, Navalny survived state-sponsored poisoning. Despite that harrowing experience, he defiantly decided to return to Russia, showing a true act of patriotism. "The war in Ukraine and the murder of Alexei Navalny concern not only Russia and Ukraine. Putin's regime has shown that it represents a clear and immediate threat to humanity," the appeal reads.
It is added that since he took power in 2000, Putin has systematically broken post-Soviet democratic institutions and incited conflicts in the countries of the former USSR.
"The full-scale aggression against Ukraine and the assassination of Alexei Navalny illustrate the escalation of the threat to a new level, as the Putin regime no longer recognizes any limits to the violation of human rights and international norms. The horrors of world wars in the 20th century have underlined that humanity can avoid self-destruction only by adhering principles of democracy and adhering to international human rights laws. However, Putin's regime cynically tramples these principles. The tragedies of 20th century totalitarianism demand a commitment to individual freedoms and dignity. Putin is clearly violating them. He has transformed Russia into a heavily militarized police state, armed with the largest nuclear arsenal, which represents an existential threat to the world," the appeal reads.
These dangers, they say, have been articulated by Alexei Navalny and other Russian opposition leaders, echoing the legacy of their great predecessor and Nobel Peace Prize winner in 1975, academician Andrei Sakharov.
"We, scientists from around the world, call on world leaders to vigorously advocate for peace, progress and human rights. As members of the international academic community, we are deeply concerned that scientific progress is threatened when dictators undermine intellectual freedom, especially at a time when global cooperation more important than ever, in the shadow of global pandemics, climate change and the existential threat of weapons of mass destruction. We call on world leaders and all people of good will to discard all illusions about Mr. Putin and his criminal regime. History teaches us that appeasing aggressors means encouraging further crimes against of humanity".
The appeal also states that no temporary benefits can justify this.
"We are determined not to repeat Munich-1938! We call on world leaders: To drastically increase aid to Ukraine. Ukraine must win, not just 'not lose'. Timely aid will reduce the loss of human lives and help expel the aggressor from Ukrainian soil . Putin's loss in an act of military aggression will be seen as a moral victory for millions of Russians, strengthening their hopes for a democratic future and mobilizing their anti-war movement. To uphold human rights and support the democratic opposition in Russia. The global community must unite to protect political prisoners who are currently being tortured in Russia. The lives of opposition leaders Vladimir Kara-Murza, Ilya Yashin, Lilia Chanisheva and many others are in imminent danger. Increase support for Russian citizens who face the risk of repression for their democratic and anti-war political beliefs and are in need of asylum .To support Russian democratic anti-Putin organizations, which includes supporting independent Russian media, whose role in driving regime change is critical. To delegitimize Putin's illegal hold on power in Russia".
Nobel laureates and scientists point out in the appeal that despite its propaganda, the Putin regime is desperately seeking recognition from the global community.
"The refusal of world leaders to recognize Putin's re-election will send a strong message that the world can no longer consider him a 'partner.' We encourage individuals of good will and their organizations to use all available resources to actively encourage their political leaders to address Russian aggression and support Ukraine. "We pay tribute to the ultimate sacrifice of Alexei Navalny and emphasize the importance of promoting democracy and the rule of law for the integration of Russia into the community of democracies. Through collective action, we can contribute to establishing peace in Europe and preventing a global catastrophe," the appeal reads.
Bonus video:
