In what can only be interpreted as breaking ranks with the government of Vladimir Putin, the Russian Maritime Law Association (Rumla) has called for the immediate cessation of hostilities by its country in Ukraine.
The association is clearly treading carefully to avoid calling the conflict a war, since the use of such terminology in Russia - instead of the prescribed ‘military action’ - is punishable by up to 15 years’ imprisonment.
Nevertheless, it said: “We call for (the) immediate termination of all military actions.”
While the association chose its words very carefully, risking the severest repudiation possible from the Kremlin, Rumla president Konstantin Krasnokutskiy said it opposed all military actions.
“We believe that there is no legal or political justification that would allow troops to enter the territory of another state.
“Any military actions result in the loss of lives.
“We cannot and will not support or justify human suffering.
“The decision to launch the military actions is contrary to the interests of both Russia and Ukraine, and humanity.
“The negative consequences will be borne for many years to come.”
