(Washington, D.C., Thursday, June 30, 2022) – We have now witnessed more than four months of brutal war. More than 50,000 people have been killed, with another 15,000 suffering from non-fatal injuries and more than 16 million internationally displaced people/refugees on top of some $600 billion in property damages.

The urge to do something—anything—to stop the horrifying violence unfolding in Ukraine is understandable. But is the seemingly non-stop deluge of weapons going to result in the peace the Ukrainian people need and deserve? The Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL) does not believe so and believes this also perpetuates the myth that peace and security are created through military might.

It often feels like engaging militarily is the only way to end conflict. But if we have learned anything from the last 20 years of the war on terror, it’s that military gains are short-lived and exact a high human, financial and moral cost. Additionally, the path we’re on brings us dangerously closer to nuclear war. We must do everything we can to help the parties agree to a ceasefire and lay the groundwork for enduring peace.

Lawmakers need to understand that using diplomacy, working through multilateral institutions, supporting local peacebuilders, providing humanitarian aid and protecting refugees are not “weak” responses. These are our best tools for bringing about a durable solution to the crisis.