Statement from Creating Tolerance in the Community

President Putin and President Zelenskyy both need to agree with an immediate ceasefire and a total withdrawal of the Russian Armed Forces.

The destruction of property and the loss of innocent life, especially of women and children is unacceptable in modern day Europe.

The reason for this conflict between Russia and Ukraine should not have happened and does not need to continue, as an understanding can be achieved by both sides and involving other partners in diplomatic negotiations such as the United States of America, the United Kingdom, and European nations.

We do not need World War III, and we hope that President Putin and President Zelenskyy can see the greater picture for all to live in peace within Europe.

There are fears from President Putin and Russians that if Ukraine was a North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) member and part of the European Union would be a threat, which is unacceptable from the Russian point of view.

Therefore, their needs to be an understanding that Ukraine will not threaten the Russian Federation or posture in a threatening way, as to cause conflict in the future if they became NATO and European Union members.

The government of Ukraine needs to protect Ukrainian minorities especially those that have a strong Russian connection through historical and cultural ties and links between both countries.

The government of the Russian Federation needs to be reciprocal and protect minorities and people that have historical and cultural ties and links to Ukraine.

Sovereignty needs to be protected by both the Russian Federation and Ukraine going forward.

There needs to be a United Nations (UN) peacekeeping force between the borders of the Russian Federation and Ukraine and disputed areas in East Ukraine and in Crimea, until diplomatic negotiations have concluded for a peaceful settlement to the disagreement between both sides.

The Rules of War needs to be strictly adhered to and respected by both sides

There needs to be on both sides to respect the rules of war under The Geneva Conventions, known as the International Humanitarian Law (IHL).

The International Humanitarian Law (IHL) needs to be adhered by governmental forces and non-State armed groups.

The use of cluster bombs and other weaponry that are banned under the international laws governing warfare, needs to end during and after the ceasefire.

On both sides they need to respect and protect soldiers that they have taken as prisoners, whether they surrendered, captured or were unable to flee due to being injured.

Civilians have the right to be protected by both sides and not to be targeted nor their property before, during or after conflict.

Medical treatment for injured civilians and soldiers even if they are under the control of the other side needs to be administered and not to be degraded or tortured.

The need for humanitarian corridors so that those that need medical care due to illness and disease, injured and even the deceased to be evacuated to receive the help they need and give dignity to those that have unfortunately lost their life.

Anyone who is detained even by the other side needs to have food, water and shelter and be able to call or write to loved ones, at home, from the battleground or confided in a purpose built, makeshift or temporary prison.

The use of rape or other forms of sexual violence before, during and after the conflict is strictly forbidden on all sides of conflict.

If the rules of war are broken then there will be investigations by States, governments, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO) in civil and human rights and the International Courts in The Hague where leaders, soldiers and even civilians can be extradited and face crimes against humanity.