Chevening Alumni views on Ukraine war

Andrii Shuran, a Chevening alumnus from Ukraine, and the Guatemalan Alumni Association were among those who took part in the virtual conversation. The event was kicked off by Nick Whittingham, the British Ambassador to Guatemala.

The Ambassador echoed the Prime Minister’s assessment of the conflict, claiming that it is a war of choice by the Russian government against a wholly innocent country.

Nick Whittingham, British Ambassador in Guatemala, said:

“I am shocked of seeing what is happening in Europe. This is an international response, both from sanctions to Russia and strengthening on providing weapons to Ukraine. Putin cannot win this war.”

Andrii Shuran began by discussing the war’s historical context as well as the long-standing tensions and threats that the Ukrainian country has faced. The Ukrainian alumnus also spoke on the war’s horrific consequences. Students have been displaced, their homes have been destroyed, and friends and family members have died. The conflict has not only physically harmed them, but it has also shattered their expectations for a better future.

Despite this, they have received support from the Chevening Alumni, a global network that has provided moral support, logistical contacts, and useful counsel to those in need during these trying times.

Shuran stated,

“People are gathering money, supporting each other. Many people stood in Ukraine and we do what we can to defend our country. We do not say ‘when the war ends… We say when we win”

Ukrainian students urge their Guatemalan and international allies to maintain pushing Russia politically and economically to cease this terrible war and hold those guilty accountable.

Guatemalan participants in the conversation voiced several questions about the future of the conflict and praised the British government’s stand on supporting Ukraine and taking steps to weaken Russia’s administration in order to bring the war to an end.

Diana Recinos, a Guatemalan born in Ukraine, spoke about her participation in the Guate X Ucrania initiative and her motivation for doing so. The event raised funds for the Guatemalan orphanages where she and the other 21 children were born before being adopted by Guatemalan families.

Diana said:

“We did this because we and our families do not believe in war. War brings only sadness and death. I want to say to Ukrainian youth that you are not alone, we are giving our support and help.”

Last but not least, Ambassador Nick Whittingham stated that Putin has already lost this war. He explained that Finland and Sweden are planning to join NATO, that Russia’s economy has been harmed, and that the international system’s response to the war has been spectacular. He emphasized that the UK will continue to supply arms to Ukraine while also sanctioning Russia.