Dalai Lama shares statement on Russian invasion of Ukraine

by Lilly Greenblatt| February 28, 2022

“Problems and disagreements are best resolved through dialogue,” His Holiness writes. “Genuine peace comes about through mutual understanding and respect.”

His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama shared a statement to his website Monday expressing his hope for peace to be restored in Ukraine following Russia’s invasion of the country.

“War is out-dated – non-violence is the only way,” the statement reads. “We need to develop a sense of the oneness of humanity by considering other human beings as brothers and sisters.”

The statement comes on the fifth day of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, as the death toll continues to rise and many flee to one of 12 border crossings Ukraine. A number of other Buddhist leaders and communities have also shared their thoughts on the situation, as BuddhistDoor reports.

Read the full statement below:

I have been deeply saddened by the conflict in Ukraine.

Our world has become so interdependent that violent conflict between two countries inevitably impacts the rest of the world. War is out-dated – non-violence is the only way. We need to develop a sense of the oneness of humanity by considering other human beings as brothers and sisters. This is how we will build a more peaceful world.

Problems and disagreements are best resolved through dialogue. Genuine peace comes about through mutual understanding and respect for each other’s wellbeing.

We must not lose hope. The 20th century was a century of war and bloodshed. The 21st century must be a century of dialogue.

I pray that peace is swiftly restored in Ukraine.