Concern Over Fear of Ukraine Russia conflict - Press Note by Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD) Fe, 14, 2022

Date: 14.02.2022

Doctors call for resolution of conflict between Russia and Ukraine

Any escalation would lead to unprecedented humanitarian crisis - IDPD

Dear Madam/sir,

Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD) has expressed grave concern at the tension between Russia and Ukraine which is continuously raising the fear of a war between the two countries. ‘As medical doctors we are much concerned about the humanitarian crisis which may ensue due to war between the two countries and may even lead to use of nuclear weapons’ said Dr Arun Mitra – Co President International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (IPPNW), Dr S S Soodan – President IDPD, Dr Shakeel Ur Rahman – General Secretary IDPD. Last week, US government officials estimated that the fighting could kill 25,000 to 50,000 civilians, 5,000 to 25,000 Ukrainian military personnel, and 3,000 to 10,000 Russian soldiers. It could also generate 1-to-5 million refugees. Any escalation could lead to use of nuclear weapons which would be catastrophic. The studies conducted by IPPNW have shown that even a limited nuclear exchange would put over two billion people at risk. Such a war at this moment may not remain localised to Europe alone. As it appears that USA along with NATO countries will directly or indirectly enter into the conflict, this will further Increase the crisis and lead to involvement of other countries in the time to come. Therefore it is urgently needed that the two countries reach a diplomatic solution to the crisis through mutual dialogue and confidence building measures.

Dr Arun Mitra
Co President IPPNW
139-E, Kitchlu Nagar, Ludhiana