In the northwest corner of Russia, on the shore of the White Sea, lies the city of Archangel. It’s several times larger than Portland and has much cooler temperatures. Bandy, or hockey with a ball, is a popular sport. Like Portland, it has a fishing industry, an art museum and a teaching hospital. It has also been the sister city of Portland since 1988.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine, President Biden and NATO have taken necessary steps to strengthen military defenses. Many private companies followed by ending services to Russia. Some U.S. cities have also been quick to cancel their relationships with twinned communities in Russia, but the opposite action may have a chance to promote meaningful change.

Since news in Russian is highly censored and the state-regulated media paint Western countries as antagonists, the quickest way to counter such perspectives may be to extend a hand in solidarity with ordinary Russians who share our antiwar sentiments and to encourage their journey to a culture free from intimidation. It is possible to condemn the actions of a country’s government while offering support to innocent citizens.

Sister cities came about to “promote peace through mutual respect, understanding and cooperation.” How many Portlanders will take the time to find individual fellow citizens in Archangel, and reach out to them, from teacher to teacher, nurse to nurse and firefighter to firefighter, and encourage them to demand that the Kremlin stop the war in Ukraine?

From our laptops and cellphones, it’s time to wage peace.

Jim Gorham
Kennebunk

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