Robert Bell, distinguished professor of the practice in the Sam Nunn School of International Affairs, signed onto a statement by the European Leadership Network titled “The Expert Dialogue on NATO-Russia Risk Reduction: A Joint Appeal for a Ceasefire and Risk Reduction.”

Bell was a signatory from the United States in a group that included Russian, American, and European members. In it, signatories called for an immediate ceasefire, cooperation to address the humanitarian needs in conflict zones, and more. The group noted that some of its members were unwilling to sign onto the statement if certain conditions weren’t included, but those who were willing to do so decided to publish it nonetheless.

“A joint appeal from Europeans, Russians and Americans sends an important signal that it is still possible among people of good faith to find at least some common ground on which to build in the Euro-Atlantic security policy community, and that an immediate ceasefire is simply an essential first step in a vastly longer journey,” the authors wrote.

The full statement can be read on the European Leadership Network’s website.