Message of Condemnation from the Council of United Circassia, April19, 2023
We are deeply saddened by the news of the deaths of Circassian youth who were forced to take place in the ranks of the Russian army in the invasion war launched by the Russian army against Ukraine. It was also confirmed by local units that the number of young people who lost their lives while fighting in the ranks of the Russian army was over a 100. Information from Circassia and the field indicates that the death toll is much higher, and that the Russian army has recorded the dead soldiers as missing. This bitter truth causes deep sadness to our compatriots, who are worried about the future of the Circassian nation. It is heartbreaking to hear that Circassian youth are dying in the service of the invading Russian army in an immoral and lawless war.
Worse still, the head of the Nahijs council in Circassia, Ğuçetl Nurbiy (ГъукIэлI Нурбый), urged Circassian youth to join the Russian army voluntarily in an immoral and lawless manner. This person, who says he cares about his people, should mourn the death of the young people who lost their lives, but calling new ones to die is not compatible with logic, humanity or Khabze. In addition, the fact that while calling the Circassian youth to join the Russian ranks voluntarily, he put forward excuses such as the protection of the country and the establishment of peace, which are completely contrary to the current reality, clearly shows that he is in a completely malicious effort. The whole world knows and condemns that Russia has invaded Ukraine, an independent country, and that it is the Russians who have disturbed the peace, for an imperial purpose.
The so-called leaders of Circassian people, who have a similar attitude both in the homeland Circassia and in the diaspora and carry out fifth-column activities on behalf of the Russian state, openly betray the Circassian nation and youth. These so-called leaders are clearly working in the interests of the Russians. It should not be forgotten that our homeland, Circassia, is under Russian occupation, and calling the Circassian youth to death for the invading state is the greatest evil that can be done to the youth. It is the greatest betrayal to the homeland and future of the Circassian nation. This behavior should be punished fairly. Those who, with such calls, pave the way for the extinction of the youth who are the guarantee of the future of the Circassian nation, should be excluded by society and should not be respected anywhere.
It is understandable that Russian policies could not be criticized and the rights of the Circassian nation could not be adequately defended under the Putin dictatorship. However, it is unacceptable to call Circassian youth to death in a way that will serve Russian interests. We should not feel obliged to take sides with Russia in every development and ignore the interests of the Circassian nation. If there is no word to be said in favor of Circassian interests, the right thing to do is to remain silent. No one has the right to sacrifice Circassian youth for the dirty tricks of the bloodthirsty Putin, who is wanted as a war criminal.
As the Council of the United Circassia, which has been working with all its strength for the bright days when the Circassian nation and Circassia will be independent, we strongly condemn the chairman of the Nahijs council in Circassia, Ğuçetl Nurbiy (ГъукIэлI Нурбый), who is calling the Circassian youth to enroll in the Russian army and die in the service of the Russians. We call on our youth, who are the hope of our future, not to heed such calls. Circassian youth should seize every opportunity to avoid this dirty war. Fighting or dying in the ranks of the invading Russian army is by no means an honorable or morally correct act. In addition, we invite those who call or suggest to Circassian youth to fight in the Russian service, to refrain from such behavior, to apologize to the Circassian nation, and to live and die humanely.
The Council of United Circassia
April 19, 2023