Normally, I don’t bring up anything related to politics on these PaWS pages, as they are not meant for them. It’s only when I feel that it’s absolutely necessary to do so that I would share anything related to politics on these pages. This would be one of those times I feel I should share a message like this.

The recent crisis happening in Ukraine is highly devastating. It’s a war that no one wanted, it’s a war that no one has asked for, and it’s a war that no one needed or deserved. War is not the solution to anything. It has never been helpful for anything in the past, it is not helpful to anything now, and it’s never going to be helpful for anything. All war does is result in harm. What’s the point of starting war if nothing good will come out of it? It was a horrible decision that never needed to be decided on.

Ukraine is not the only country this conflict is hurting. It’s hurting Russia as well, a country with a president that made the horrible choice to go to war. From the Russian ruble sliding down in value, becoming less valuable than a US penny, to companies, organizations, and other entities withdrawing their association with the country, the decision to go to war was unspeakably horrendous.

I can’t blame all of Russia and everything else associated with the nation for this time of conflict. I’m aware that there are innocent citizens of Russia who are also deeply distraught with the decision their president has made, and I absolutely feel for them. Therefore, I cannot condemn them or their views. I am condemning Vladmir Putin’s decision to go to war, regardless of which nation he wants to go after. This war simply has no place in this world.

I sincerely hope this war ends soon. All who have been affected by this war, especially the people of Ukraine, have a place in my heart, and I pray that these people can live in peace and happiness again. I want everyone to stay strong during these times of turmoil. I am grateful for everyone who has expressed their thoughts about this crisis, and for their efforts in generating relief to all who’ve been affected. We stand together in denouncing and condemning this war against Ukraine.

-Rich Yerardi (“Cyan Glaciertooth”)