In Ukraine we are witnessing one of the worst escalations of tension between Russia, the US and NATO since the Cold War. Perhaps not since the Cuban missile crisis has the risk of a new global conflict been so palpable.

A tension, this time, on the borders of Europe that, if it really passed from words to deeds, would put the survival of humanity and the planet at risk.

No one among the contenders excludes resorting to arms. An armed conflict, even a nuclear one, could involve Europe itself. This is happening at a very specific moment in history, in a climate of exasperated rearmament, in which the world's powerful insist on the line of military supremacy, instead of seeking a balance guaranteeing a peaceful future.

As the Italian Peace and Disarmament Network, we call on our country and all of Europe to take urgent and significant steps towards a position of active neutrality.

The Press Release of the Italian Peace and Disarmament Network follows.

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Italy and Europe are asked to take an active neutrality initiative to reduce tension and favour a political agreement by making clear their unwillingness to support military adventures.

As Italians and as Europeans, we are witnessing a worrying escalation of tension between Russia, the United States and NATO on the borders of Europe.
An escalation in which, as things stand, none of the contending parties excludes the possibility of recourse to arms and in respect of which no observer excludes that it could develop into an armed conflict, including a nuclear one, which could involve Europe itself.

Moreover, this is taking place in a climate of exaggerated rearmament in which armies seem to be seeking supremacy rather than a strategic balance that would be a guarantee of future peace.
Perhaps not since the Cuban missile crisis has the risk of a new global conflict been so palpable. It is a risk we cannot afford, as denounced last week by the Bulletin of Atomic Scientist'salarming '100 seconds to midnight' Doomsday Clock. To avert this risk, every country has a duty to act.

We call on our country first of all, starting with the Foreign Minister, and on the whole of Europe to take urgent and significant initiatives from a position of active neutrality, to achieve an immediate de-escalation of the tension and to begin the search for a negotiated political agreement that respects the security and rights of all the populations involved, clarifying its unwillingness to support military adventures.

To all the countries involved we say: stop. Lay down your weapons and threats and negotiate.