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My name is Konstanty Chodkowski. On March 11, 2014, I voluntarily resigned from my studies
in Russia. My decision was made as an act of protest
against Russian Federation military intervention in Crimea as well as an ordinary, human reaction
and manifestation of solidarity with the Ukrainian nation.
Leaving for Russia, or even earlier -- working as a journalist, I have perceived peace building
and mutual understanding among Polish, Ukrainian and Russian people as a matter of the utmost
importance. Coming back to Poland I could only watch in
despair how Slavic, fraternal nations are mindlessly plunging into conflict, being at
each other's throat. I have made many close friends with Ukrainians
and Russians and thanks to that I know all the difficulties between us could be solved
peacefully, by talks and dialogue. So, it is not only my beliefs, it is a knowledge
that Russians as well as Poles and Ukrainians always can get along with each other.
So, if it is possible at the level of individuals, it is definitely possible at the level of
countries as well. Without the need for using military, threats and unpleasant or unnecessary
words. That is why I consider the use of armed forces
totally unjustified and directed against peace and harmony. I would like to express it by
giving up my studies in Russia. My decision is not addressed against Russia,
or its people, but against war. Throughout my whole adult life I was eager
to know Russia and Ukraine, I wanted to graduate from universities in those countries, learn
Russian language and then tell Polish people that behind our Eastern border do not hide
our enemies but potential partners, who must be trusted and who we should speak with.
Unfortunately, today I cannot name intervention in Crimea in any different way than unjustified
occupancy. And this is the greatest pain for me.