Ukraine: Thousands Of Russian Doctors Sign Open Letter To Putin Over Invasion

Thousands of Russian doctors, paramedics, nurses and other healthcare workers have signed an open letter to Vladimir Putin asking him bring his invasion of Ukraine to an end.

Ever since the Russian president announced his 'special military operation' last week, thousands of Russian troops have reportedly lost their lives, along with hundreds of civilian casualties as Kyiv, Kharkiv and other cities bear the brunt of missile strikes.

Doctors and healthcare professionals have come together in Russia in a bid to convince Putin to cease hostilities in Ukraine. As of yesterday, February 28, 15,000 medical workers across the country had signed the letter.

As per the British Medical Journal, those who signed the letter 'strongly oppose the military actions carried out by Russian armed forces on the territory of Ukraine' and call on Putin to withdraw troops.

'Our mission is to save human lives. It is difficult to imagine a profession more humane than a doctor. And now, at this difficult time for both countries, we call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and for the resolution of all political issues exclusively by peaceful means,' it reads.

'As always, we do not divide the people into friends and foes. We swore to help any human, regardless of nationality, religion, or political views. But today our help is not enough. The war will take many lives and cripple so many destinies that we will not have time to help despite all possible efforts.

'Everyone will scream in pain and cry out to their mothers in the same language. Any projectile or bullet, even if it does not reach its target and does not take someone's life, still brings fear, panic, and pain. Pain which contracts hearts. Everyone’s heart is hurting now. Civilians’. Soldiers’. Soldiers' mothers and wives. Children’s. Nobody deserves this fear. Nobody deserves to be killed or injured. Accidentally or intentionally.'

'Our relatives, friends, patients. and colleagues are located on the attacked territories. There is not a single person among them who would benefit from the ongoing bloodshed. We cannot stay away from pain and suffering, which are increasing every minute.

'Human life is priceless. It takes a moment to be killed in action, while the treatment and recovery of the victims can take years. And for the moments of today's war, we will pay for many years after.

'No matter how the use of lethal weapons is justified, they remain deadly. Deadly and causing pain and suffering. Therefore, following our oaths and maintaining a humane and equal treatment of all lives, we demand an immediate suspension of all operations with the use of lethal weapons.'

If you would like to donate to the Red Cross Emergency Appeal, which will help provide food, medicines and basic medical supplies, shelter and water to those in Ukraine, click here for more information