Soon after Russia invaded Ukraine, the MFSO Board was asked to write a position statement. Since then, thousands of Ukrainian citizens have died and  six million civilians have been forced to flee their homes. Thoughtful input from our members, a review of our mission statement along with recent developments have moved us to update our previous position statement. Please keep in mind that MFSO is not a pacifist organization and understand that the issue of self-defense can be complicated, but MFSO will continue to speak out against unjust wars where the US military is involved. Our opinions on the war in Ukraine should only reflect the possibility of the involvement of US troops. Therefore, we believe:

•           There is no military solution to the war in Ukraine.

•           We support any and all efforts to end the war in Ukraine through diplomatic means

•           The US/NATO should not declare a “No Fly Zone”

•           The US should continue to provide humanitarian aid to Ukraine and support the current medical, nutritional, shelter and other needs of the Ukrainian people now.

MFSO position statement on Ukraine

MILITARY FAMILIES SPEAK OUT POSITION STATEMENT ON UKRAINE 

Tensions are running high among military families over the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The  US responded by sending 7,000 additional US troops to Europe. Many of our MFSO members  are re-living the painful moments that led us into the endless wars in the Middle East. Although  President Biden has promised to not send US troops to Ukraine, and has made some diplomatic  efforts to diffuse tensions, we military families can see the writing on the wall.  

The situation in Ukraine is dire, and we are already witnessing a tragic humanitarian crisis of  hundreds of innocent civilians fleeing Ukraine to avoid being caught in the crossfire. Once again,  the possibility that our loved ones will be dragged into combat looms large. This time, however,  we are witnessing two nuclear armed nations who are taking us to the brink of an international catastrophe, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Sadly, while civilians will suffer as a result of the  draconian sanctions that have been imposed on Russia, we are painfully aware that the military  industrial complex will profit from weapon sales.  

MFSO condemns the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and the US reaction of sending additional US  troops to Europe. We believe there is no military solution to this crisis. We appeal to Russia to  withdraw its troops from Ukraine and demand that the US withdraw the additional troops it sent to NATO nations with the intent of intimidating Russia. We demand that the US not take any  further military action and not send any more military aid/weapons. Any further US military  intervention could only result in another endless war. 

Now is not the time to recall or cancel any meetings with Russian diplomats. We must learn from our disastrous interventions in Afghanistan and Iraq the importance of using diplomacy instead  of meaningless posturing. We call on President Biden to accept President Putin’s offer to meet in  Minsk, Belarus and resume diplomatic negotiations now. Both Russia and the US need to stand  down and step back.  

Pat Alviso 

Military Families Speak Out  

National Coordinator 

562-833-8035 

mfsooc@earthlink.net