“This latest escalation by the US and NATO allowing Western weapons to be used by Ukraine to strike into Russia will likely have little effect on the Russian military and its operations. As we have seen with the numerous introductions of more powerful and longer-range weapon systems by the West, the Russian military will adapt to and counter these weapons quickly, as they have done with every weapon system the US and NATO have introduced to Ukraine.

The danger lies in Russia’s response, which they have not only stated but have already shown. The West sent in HIMARS  and Storm Shadow missiles, and the Russians responded with glide bombs and hypersonic missiles. The Nordstream pipeline was destroyed and Russian oil facilities were attacked, and Russia launched devastating attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure and port facilities. The Russians have made clear that they will consider an attack on Russian territory with Western weapons to be an act of war by Western nations. Their response may be confined to Ukraine or extend outside of Ukraine – a threat that should be taken seriously.

We have warned of the danger of this escalation over and over again, including in our New York Times ad one year ago.

Western media, most recently Reuters, has confirmed that the Russians have attempted to negotiate throughout this war. They have only met with escalation from the West. Before this war expands, either in its destruction or breadth, a cease-fire and negotiations must occur.

At best, a year from now, the war continues as an unwinnable meat grinder, with hundreds of thousands of more ruined lives. More likely, Ukraine may have collapsed in some form, and we face greater instability, uncertainty, and danger in Europe and the world.

What is needed is diplomacy, not escalation. This is a reality the West refuses to acknowledge.”