On February 26th, I posted a letter that I had written to lawyers in Moscow – with whom I worked for nearly 30 years. In this interim, I have heard nothing from them. The Russian government discourages freedom of any sort. And I suspect that my prior email may have been intercepted by the gangsters who do the grunt work for Putin. So I just penned another letter – to these lawyer/colleagues. . . . .

Dear Colleagues,

In 3 weeks, Russia has lost over 14,000 soldiers – all sons of Russia.  The Russian people (as I am sure you know) never receive honest news as there is no freedom of speech.  And now many Russians are leaving your country.

Those who criticize Putin are jailed or killed because he (has privately told some) he wants to be Czar (or King).  Putin’s Army is now destroying hospitals (17 so far), schools and residences (“we want to break their spirit”). Putin has killed thousands of citizens and yet those who remain are solid in defending their homeland against this War against them.

Because so many Russian soldiers have been killed, Putin is now bringing in Syrian fighters (approx. 40,000) to kill Ukrainians. Only 4 countries support Russia’s War against Ukraine:  Syria, North Korea, Belarus and Eritrea.  A few countries are neutral.  And  87 countries oppose Russia’s invasion and War. 

Putin has talked of advancing into Moldova and now has hinted at the Baltic countries – which would start World War III.  I am sad.  Most of the world is sad at the poison Putin has brought upon the Ukraine and upon his own people. And the world.  

I apologize for writing again but I ask for you to reach out for news beyond what is being fed to you by Putin’s government. 

If I can answer any questions, please know that I am here.

With kind regards,

Scott Petersen

I have worked with several Russian law firms which deal with intellectual property. This morning, I sent a note to some of my Russian counterparts. I could have been a bit more strident but the message is still there.

Dear Colleagues,

I recently retired from the practice of law – though you will likely recognize my name given our association over the last 35 years.

I have tremendous respect for you, your fine Firm and for your colleagues.  I thought I would offer a comment on the tragedy that is unfolding in Europe. . . . .

I am saddened by the Russian invasion of and war against Ukraine and its people.  Vladimir Putin is sending missiles and bombs into Ukrainian homes, apartments, schools and businesses.  Men, women and children of Ukraine have been killed.  And now, many sons of Russia are also dying.  And the world sits on the brink of devastation. 

Putin is the richest man in the world – who has stolen billions of dollars, euros and rubles from the Russian people (many of whom – as you know – are poor and struggling).  He alone made the decision to commit Russia to War. Ukraine defends itself.  The world objects.  Humanity cries tears of sorrow.  Even though free speech and civil discourse are forbidden in Russia, tens of thousands of Russian people are objecting – demonstrating for peace. Russian athletes and academics have joined the chorus.

Please know that I am with those – who want peace in this world.  We are all one people.  And we are all in one giant boat.   Together.  We must be able to “get along” with each other – or our boat will sink.  And then each one of us – loses. 

Best regards,

Scott

The business of wanting peace, being in one boat and the need to “get along” applies as much to the United States as it does to Russia. It applies to every nation. And each one of us. Let’s all try to remember that as we discuss politics, religion, social issues and direction. . . . .