Iowans protest, call for peace as tensions rise over possible Russian invasion of Ukraine
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Activists came from down the street and across the state to Des Moines Saturday to raise a white flag in support of a peaceful solution to tensions between Europe and Russia.
The protest occurred just hours after the Iowa Army National Guard announced mobilization orders to head to Poland.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has massed an estimated 100,000 or more troops near Ukraine’s border, raising concerns of a possible invasion. He wants concessions from the West, in particular assurances that Ukraine will not be allowed to join NATO.
Protester Jon Krieg, 59, of Des Moines said "we need to be negotiating, not escalating."
A dozen protesters stood at the corner of Douglas Avenue and Merle Hay Road at midday, bundled against the gusty wind, to hold up their signs and wave to honking cars as they passed.
"People are gathering all over the world to protest these aggressions," said Brian Terrell, 65, from Maloy in southwest Iowa. "We need to get rid of NATO and we need to get rid of nuclear weapons."
The Des Moines protest was called by CODEPINK and the Catholic Peace Ministry.
According to its website, CODEPINK is a women-led grassroots organization working to end U.S. wars and militarism, support peace and human rights initiatives, and redirect tax dollars into health care, education, green jobs and other life-affirming programs.
The Catholic Peace Ministry is based in Des Moines and works for peace and justice, focusing mainly on Central America, militarization, economic justice and the death penalty.
More: Will Russia invade Ukraine? Talks, timing, desire for a long fight factor into strategy
Iowa National Guard heads to Poland
Meanwhile, it was announced Friday that approximately 250 soldiers from two Iowa Army National Guard companies based in Mason City and Iowa City were selected to support federal mobilization missions by the Department of Defense and the National Guard Bureau.
The 1133rd Transportation Company in Mason City and the 209th Medical Company Area Support in Iowa City will support Operation Atlantic Resolve and NATO's Enhanced Forward Presence mission. The two companies will provide transport equipment and supplies, and field hospital health service support.
The 1133rd Transportation Company was last activated into federal service in 2008 to support Operations Noble Eagle, Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, and the global war on terrorism.
The 209th Medical Company deployed to Iraq in 2003 to support Operation Iraqi Freedom. In 2005 the company was activated in response to Hurricane Katrina.
The Pentagon has placed thousands of troops on heightened alert to support a NATO quick-reaction force if it is activated. It also announced Wednesday that it would deploy 3,000 troops to Germany, Poland and Romania as tensions rise with Russia over Ukraine.
More: Pentagon to deploy 3,000 troops to Europe as tensions spike with Russia over Ukraine
Protesters stand their ground
Protester Barb Waldron, 79, of Indianola, stood steadfast on the corner near Merle Hay Hall Saturday with her CODEPINK sign calling for others to "Join us in taking action to stop the next war."
"I think we should do everything we can to negotiate our way out of these conflicts," Waldron said. "I don't want us to do something, like when we escalated into Iraq and went after Saddam Hussein. Please don't let us do that again."
USA TODAY contributed to this report.
Teresa Kay Albertson covers Des Moines' southern suburbs for the Register and the Indianola Record-Herald. Reach her at talbertson@registermedia.com or 515-419-6098.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowans call for peaceful solution as Russia masses troops near Ukraine
