A collective voice of intellectual eminence has resounded across the global stage as 39 Nobel laureates have issued an open letter decrying the regime of Vladimir Putin and urging a fortified international support for Ukraine amidst its unwavering resistance to Russian aggression.
Comprising luminaries from the realms of science, economics, and literature, these laureates have unequivocally condemned Putin’s regime while pressing upon world leaders to escalate their assistance to Ukraine’s defense efforts, advocate for the release of political detainees in Russia, and reject the recognition of Putin’s purported legitimacy as president.
The letter, published by the “T-invariant” media outlet, elucidates the grave concerns shared by these laureates regarding Putin’s belligerent actions and the escalating suppression of political dissent within Russia. It draws attention to the tragic demise of Alexei Navalny, a prominent opposition figure who fell victim to an orchestrated poisoning attempt and subsequent imprisonment by the Putin regime.
Central to the letter is the assertion that Putin’s aggression transcends the borders of Ukraine and poses a palpable threat to global stability and human rights.
Since ascending to power in 2000, Putin has systematically eroded democratic institutions, perpetuated conflicts in former Soviet states, and fostered a climate of fear and repression within Russia itself.
The laureates caution against the perils of appeasement, drawing parallels to historical precedents such as the Munich Agreement of 1938, and implore world leaders to confront Putin’s regime with unwavering resolve.
The letter resonates with a sense of urgency, emphasising the imperative of bolstering support for Ukraine’s defense efforts to ensure not just its survival, but its triumph over aggression.
It calls for robust backing for human rights and democratic opposition within Russia, highlighting the plight of political prisoners and activists who face persecution for their beliefs.
Moreover, the letter urges the international community to delegitimise Putin’s grip on power and to reject any semblance of recognition for his regime.
The signatories, an illustrious cohort of Nobel laureates spanning diverse fields of expertise, lend their collective prestige to a clarion call for peace, progress, and human rights.
By standing in solidarity with Ukraine and advocating for justice within Russia, they exemplify the transformative power of intellectual leadership in confronting tyranny and fostering a more just and equitable world order.
As the laureates assert, the path to peace and stability in Europe—and indeed, the world—lies in resolute opposition to aggression, unwavering support for democratic principles, and steadfast solidarity with those who strive for freedom and justice.
Full Text of the Open Letter:
Two years ago, Vladimir Putin unleashed an unprovoked full-scale aggression against Ukraine, which led to deaths and destruction unprecedented since the Second World War.
This war is accompanied by an increasing brutal suppression of political life and freedom of speech in Russia itself. Recently, the world was shocked by the death of Alexei Navalny, Putin’s main political opponent.
Before he was thrown into prison, tortured and eventually killed, Navalny survived an organized poisoning attempt by the Putin regime using chemical weapons. Despite this terrible assassination attempt, he returned to Russia, showing unprecedented courage and patriotism.
The war in Ukraine and the murder of Alexei Navalny concern not only Russia and Ukraine. The Putin regime has shown that it poses a direct and clear threat to all of humanity. Since coming to power in 2000, Putin has systematically destroyed post-Soviet democratic institutions and fueled conflicts in the countries of the former USSR.
The full—scale aggression against Ukraine and the murder of Alexei Navalny is a transfer of the threat to a new level, since the Putin regime no longer sees any restrictions when it violates human rights and international norms.
The horrors of the world wars of the twentieth century remind us that humanity is able to avoid self-destruction only if the principles of democracy and international human rights law are respected. The Putin regime cynically trampled on them. The tragedies of totalitarianism call for respect for the freedom and dignity of the individual.
Putin openly mocks them. He has turned Russia into an extremely militarized police state with the largest nuclear arsenal, posing a threat to the very existence of the world. Alexei Navalny and other leaders of the Russian opposition constantly reminded of this threat, following their great predecessor, academician Andrei Sakharov, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1975.
We, scientists from all over the world, call on political leaders to stand up for peace, progress and human rights with all our might.
As members of the international scientific community, we are deeply concerned that scientific progress is being threatened by dictators who suppress intellectual freedom, especially when global cooperation is so important against the backdrop of pandemics, climate change and the existential threat of weapons of mass destruction.
We call on world leaders and all people of good will to abandon any illusions about Mr. Putin and his criminal regime. History teaches us that appeasing the aggressor leads to further crimes against humanity. No temporary benefits can justify this. We strongly oppose a repeat of Munich 1938!
We call on world leaders:
Significantly increase assistance to Ukraine. In this war, Ukraine must win, and not just “not lose.” Timely assistance to Ukrainians will reduce the loss of human lives and help drive the aggressor from their land.
Putin’s failures in the course of military aggression will be perceived as a moral victory by millions of Russians, strengthen their hopes for a democratic future and mobilize the anti-war movement. To support human rights and the democratic opposition in Russia.
The international community must unite to protect political prisoners who are being tortured in Russia. The lives of opposition leaders Vladimir Kara-Murza, Ilya Yashin, Lilia Chanysheva and many others are in mortal danger.
To strengthen support for Russian citizens who are threatened with repression because of their democratic and anti-war political beliefs and who need asylum. To support Russian democratic anti-Putin organizations, including independent Russian media, whose role in regime change is critical. Delegitimize Putin’s illegal retention of power in Russia.
Despite the lies of propaganda, Putin’s regime is desperately seeking recognition from the international community. The refusal of world leaders to recognize Putin as re-elected president will be a powerful signal to the world that he can no longer be considered a “partner.”
We call on all people of good will and public organizations to use all available resources to actively influence political leaders to resist Russian aggression and come out in support of Ukraine.
In memory of Alexei Navalny, who gave his life for this, we emphasize the importance of promoting democracy and the rule of law so that Russia becomes part of the community of democracies. By working together, we can help achieve peace in Europe and prevent a global catastrophe.
The letter was signed by:
Svetlana Alexievich, 2015 Nobel Laureate in Literature
Harvey J. Alter, 2020 Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine
Francoise Barre-Sinoussi, 2008 Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine
Thomas R. Cech, 1989 Nobel Laureate in Chemistry
Elias James Corey, 1990 Nobel Laureate in Chemistry
Shirin Ebadi, 2003 Laureate of Nobel Peace Prize
Sheldon Lee Glashow, 1979 Nobel Laureate in Physics
Carol W. Greider, 2009 Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine
Roald Hoffmann, 1981 Nobel Laureate in Chemistry
Louis J. Ignarro, 1998 Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine
Elfriede Jelinek, 2004 Nobel Laureate in Literature
Takaaki Kajita, 2015 Nobel Laureate in Physics
Roger D Kornberg, 2006 Nobel Laureate in Chemistry
Ferenc Krausz, 2023 Nobel Laureate in Physics
Brian K. Kobilka, 2012 Nobel Laureate in Chemistry
Roderick MacKinnon, 2003 Nobel Laureate in Chemistry
Barry J. Marshall, 2005 Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine
John C. Mather, 2006 Nobel Laureate in Physics
Michel Mayor, 2019 Nobel Laureate in Physics
May-Britt Moser, 2014 Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine
Edvard Ingjald Moser, 2014 Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine
Herta Müller, 2009 Nobel Laureate in Literature
Paul Nurse, 2001 Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine
James Peebles, 2019 Nobel Laureate in Physics
William D. Phillips, 1997 Nobel Laureate in Physics
H. David Politzer, 2004 Nobel Laureate in Physics
Charles M. Rice, 2020 Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine
Sir Richard J. Roberts, 1993 Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine
Bert Sakmann, 1991 Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine
Randy W. Schekman, 2013 Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine
Gregg L. Semenza, 2019 Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine
Vernon L Smith, 2002 Nobel Laureate in Economics
Wole Soyinka, 1986 Nobel Laureate in Literature
Gerardus ‘t Hooft, 1999 Nobel Laureate in Physics
Jack W. Szostak, 2009 Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine
Drew Weissman, 2023 Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine
Eric F. Wieschaus, 1995 Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine
Jody Williams, 1997 Laureate of Nobel Peace Prize
Oleksandra Matviichuk, Head of the Center for Civil Liberties, 2022 Laureate of Nobel Peace Prize
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