Europe: Stand Up, Show Courage: Don’t Let Putin Win

Europe won’t start the Third World War, I understand! But why keep funding Putin’s war meanwhile?

It is heartbreaking to see Europe stand by and do nothing while Putin marches on. The hesitation to get NATO involved is understandable. Nobody wants to start the third world war against a strong nuclear power.

At the same time, some major European countries have announced that they will keep buying Russian oil and gas. It does not matter how the war ends. Putin has already won. This money directly feeds Putin and his war. He continues to bully and win.

These countries have chosen on behalf of their people — they would rather pay cheap energy prices even if it means funding Russia for the war.

But we cannot let this happen without even a debate. The citizens of Europe must stand up and demand change. We must ask our governments to stop buying anything Russian. Here are a few things you can do

• Ask your government to stop buying Russian oil and gas. They are doing it in your name. Your governments explain that you’ll get hurt if they stop buying from Russia. If you agree with your government, close this post and move to the next one. If you disagree, let your elected officials know. Public opinions shape policies.
• Find out how you use Russian Oil and Gas: Europe imports a lot of Russian oil and gas. Ask your utility company if you’re unsure where your energy comes from. Many countries get their gas from Russia, even if they don’t import oil.
• Shame businesses with double standards: Europe prides itself on being a values-based continent. If you see companies with different standards for Europe and Russia, speak up. Shell recently was shamed for using the opportunity to cheap Russian oil.
• Educate yourself and others about what’s happening in Ukraine: This is a complex conflict with a long history. It’s important to understand the issues at stake. Read articles, watch videos, and talk to your friends about what’s going on.
• Use bicycle, bus, train, or walk instead of taking a car: Europe has some of the best public transportation globally. Use it! Not only will you be helping to reduce Europe’s carbon footprint, but you’ll also be reducing Putin’s war chest.
• Start insulating your home: Europe is importing Russian gas to heat homes in the winter. Europe could save a lot of money and reduce its dependency on Russia by insulating homes.
• Do what is needed. Europe needs to show Putin that we will not be bullied. We will not stand by and watch as he takes over the world. We must stand up and show our courage. We must show that we, the ordinary people are willing to do what is necessary.

The number of Ukrainian soldiers and civilians who have died in the conflict is estimated to be more than 6000. More than 2500 of those are soldiers. The civilian death toll is estimated to be more than 3000. These numbers continue to rise every day. Millions of Ukrainians have been displaced already, and there doesn’t seem to be an end.

Think of them when you turn on the heater the next time. Please act. Your time to make a difference is NOW. Europe, please stand up and show your courage. Do not let Putin win.

Bonus info: Germany is Europe’s biggest economy and also one of the most important buyers of Russian gas. Around 40% of Russia’s gas exports go to Europe, and Germany is the biggest recipient.

Here are my other posts are Russia’s mindless war on Ukraine.

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Sources:

https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/shell-withdraw-russian-oil-gas-2022-03-08/

https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/how-dependent-is-germany-russian-gas-2022-03-08/