In 1994 the Budapest Memorandum was signed by representatives of the United States, the United Kingdom, Russia and Ukraine. In exchange for giving up their nuclear weapons, the US, Russia and the UK pledged to respect Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and existing borders, as well as, to refrain from the use of or threatened use of force against Ukraine.

In 2014, Russia violated the Memorandum as it forcibly annexed the Crimean region of Ukraine. This was followed by a full scale invasion of the country on February 24, 2022 by Russia that continues to this day and has resulted in profound suffering within the country.

We have a personal connection to the people of Ukraine as our daughter, Elizabeth, served as a Peace Corps volunteer in the city of Cherkasy located in central Ukraine. Traveling in the country left us impressed by the generosity and resilience of the people and their real desire to improve their lives and to continue to develop the democratic values of their country. We are obligated both by treaty and by a common humanity to come to their assistance as Putin’s barbarous assault upon this nation continues unabated.

Please consider joining us this Thursday evening as we learn how a New Hampshire volunteer led nonprofit, Common Man for Ukraine, has been providing for the needs of Ukrainian children and their families. For additional information please click on the photo…hope to see you there!

Slava Ukraini! (“Glory to Ukraine”)

John and Jane Walsh, Co-Chairs