Joint appeal by the Jena City Council on the war in Ukraine

At its meeting on Wednesday, March 23, the Jena City Council discussed the war in Ukraine in a topical debate. All speakers emphasized their disgust at the invasion of Russian troops into a sovereign European state. At the same time, the commitment of private individuals to taking in refugees from Ukraine was unanimously acknowledged.

The City Council then adopted an appeal to end the war in Ukraine. The resolution was passed unanimously.

Joint appeal by the Jena City Council

The Russian invasion of Ukraine is contrary to international law and inexcusable. We condemn Putin's war of aggression against Ukraine. He bears full responsibility for the war.

Our thoughts are with the Ukrainian soldiers and many volunteers who have to defend their country, democratic values and our freedom against this aggression and, above all, with the Ukrainian people, mothers, fathers and children who have to fear for their safety and their lives. We will do everything we can to ensure that these people receive protection and refuge in Jena as well.

Solidarity with Ukraine and the willingness to help are very great throughout Germany and also here in Jena. We city councillors also join this broad support from civil society actors, social organizations, associations, trade unions, churches and the city administration. Our thanks go to all the citizens of Jena! We encourage the residents of Jena, regardless of origin, faith or nationality, to continue their great willingness to help all people in and from Ukraine, regardless of their passport. The right to asylum and the protection of human dignity applies to all people.

It is our common task to create all the necessary framework conditions for a good arrival and stay. This includes housing, kindergarten and school places, language courses, access to work and social and psychological support. At a municipal level, it is crucial that the federal and state governments provide the necessary funding so that we can organize these tasks locally in our city. At the same time, the necessary resources must also be made available at municipal level.

The war in Ukraine is a war waged by the Russian leadership. We make it clear that people of Russian origin are not to be held generally responsible for Putin's aggression. Not in Jena, and not anywhere else. Let us not allow people with Russian roots to be antagonized now. Do we see the shame and concern with which many people from Russia and Belarus are now stunned to see their countries being dragged into a war against people who are their brothers and sisters? We stand by the side of those who, at personal risk, stand up for democracy and peace in their country and oppose their president. Opposition members and conscientious objectors from Russia and Belarus have our protection and support in Jena.

We do not want to close the door to dialog. Even in these difficult times, we will continue to promote friendly encounters between people from Russia, Ukraine and Germany wherever possible.

On behalf of the Jena City Council, we would like to thank all the people who are committed to helping the refugees and Ukraine. This shows what solidarity the people of Jena are capable of and gives us courage.

Jena is helping. Jena stands together against Putin's war. Jena stands with Ukraine!