The Russian Nobility Association in America continues to unequivocally condemn the unjustified military invasion of Ukraine by the government of the Russian Federation. We also reject all inaccurate historical arguments the Putin regime made to support their actions that are contrary to international law, long adhered-to agreements and standards of universal human values.
We live in emigration because of a World War, Revolution and Civil War, and our entire existence here has been defined by our opposition to the Soviet State. While our organization does not engage in politics directly, we have never been silent about fundamental questions of truth, decency and basic human values. Disagreements about Foreign Policy do not justify military action, neither can defensive responses be used retroactively as cover. When the new government of Russia misrepresents history and invents facts to justify the conquest of an independent non-threatening neighboring country, using the same symbols we respectfully carried with us into emigration, we cannot stay silent. Silence translates into acquiescence. This is not the Russia we stayed faithful to for over 100 years.
We have already assisted refugees escaping to the West from the war in Ukraine, using IOCC as a reliable and direct conduit of support. We will continue, and we invite our members and friends to join us in these important efforts.
While we had cancelled our 2022 Annual Ball as a result of the war, considering the probable long-term nature of the conflict, we have decided to resume our Annual Ball scheduled for May 5th, 2023. Russian Balls continued to be held in the West throughout the intra-war period and during the Cold War. Despite the sadness and tragedy of the present time, the Ball is part of the ongoing life of “Russia Abroad” and the main source of funding for our philanthropic and scholarship support work, which must continue unabated.
Original statement published on February 28, 2022. The statement was updated on April 9, 2023.
Photo: International Orthodox Christian Charities (iocc.org)
