https://rødungdom.no/youth-for-peace

In this dark time of war, escalation and imperialism, Rød Ungdom have made this statement. We condemn Russias invasion of Ukraine and demand a future without war and militarization!

Youth for Peace

We strongly condemn Putin’s aggression and Russia’s current invasion of Ukraine. The military invasion is already harming the civilians and is a clear break with international law, which we cannot accept. We urge Norway to welcome Ukrainian refugees and provide emergency relief.

We condemn every country that breaks international law and disrespects any nation’s sovereignty. Imperialistic and aggressive politics pose a threat to humanity and our nature, no matter if the imperialist power is Russian, American or else. We encourage Russia to return to diplomacy and the Minsk-2 agreement.

Norway is one of only two Nordic countries with borders to Russia and have a significant responsibility to de-escalate and stabilise the current conflict between the superpowers, USA and Russia. Norwegian youth are now standing up to demand that our government do everything in their power to prevent war and destruction, disarm and work for a peaceful solution.

However, understanding how to get out of the urgent situation is in no way justifying the Russian invasion, it is not true that understanding the underlying conflict is to excuse any infringement of international law. Among the things that we have to understand is that NATO has played its part with militarization and expansion in Europe and that further expansion east will intensify the conflict. We owe this self reflection to the people of Ukraine and we need our leaders to realise that they can be a part of the de-escalation.

American presence in Norway

Norway deems itself a peaceful nation, but in reality Norway is an aggressor, as a member of NATO. This spring the Norwegian government plans to approve a new military base agreement with the USA, an agreement initiated by the Americans that is non-negotiable and will allow the US full jurisdiction over Norwegian territories.

At this time, with Russia as our next door neighbour, it’s beyond alarming that the Norwegian government is prepared to surrender our sovereignty to the largest imperialist in the world. It’s naive and possibly fatal to believe that considerable American military presence in Norway won’t be threatening to Russia, and that it won’t escalate an already dangerous conflict.

In mere two weeks Norway will be the host of a huge NATO military exercise called Cold Response 2022. We’ve invited 35 000 soldiers from 28 different countries to practice and show off their strength close to Russia’s border, with exercise point Nordkjosbotn as close as 375 km air distance from Russia and an hour drive from Finland. After Trident Juncture in 2018, the last military exercise in Norway, Russia responded by test-launching missiles outside the Norwegian coast. The military exercises make it difficult for us to re-establish dialogue and a diplomatic relationship with our neighbour.

As a NATO member with borders to Russia, Norway is already in the middle of two imperialist super powers, but a stronger American military presence will also put Nordic security and world peace at risk.

We stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and the Russians demonstrating against Putin’s invasion. This is not the time to make hurried and aggravating decisions based on fear – it is the time for the young people of Europe to demand a future without war and militarization.

We demand that:

Russia withdraws their forces from Ukrainian territory immediately!

Norway provide refuge for Ukrainian victims of the war

The Norwegian governments stand up for peace, demilitarisation and de-escalation of the current conflict between Russia and NATO

The Norwegian government rejects the new military base agreement with USA

The Norwegian Armed Forces cancel the Norwegian-led NATO military exercise Cold Response 2022

Red youth of Norway