Before there was an Asphalt & Rubber, I spent some time working for the United Nations, prosecuting war criminals from the Balkan and Rwandan conflicts. These we massively devastating events, where neighbors found ways to dehumanize each other and through that process, commit acts that rose to the level of genocide and crimes against humanity.
While those crimes unfolded, the world stood by and watched, and in the case of the massacre done in Srebrenica, forces of good were forced to stand idly by and watch evil perpetrated right in front of them.
My work then at The Hague was part of an effort to correct the wrongs of indifferent nations, who suffered the guilt of not doing more – not interceding, largely because their toolbox of remedies was so limited and complicated at the time.
For the past weeks, I have found myself watching once again as neighbors attack neighbors, and heinous acts are perpetrated against the innocent. It is as deeply troubling this time around as it was before, but it is also different.
The past few days have seen a new front against evil emerge, one that spans outside the realm of politics and non-governmental organizations. In Thomas Friedman’s flat world, economics and business have just as much influence as armies and politicians.
Companies that are willing to draw a line in the sand between profits and people are showing that they can influence the world in new ways, and that we have shared goals of prospering together. This is a new kind of modern warfare.
So, it is warming to see that those in the motorcycle industry who have a voice and influence over the events surrounding them are using that platform, and I am sincerely thankful to see in my inbox today the following open letter from MV Agusta CEO Timur Sardarov, himself a Russian national.
Dear colleagues,
I would like to address you in these difficult times as I’m sure you are aware that there is a war inflaming between Russia and Ukraine. For me as a Russian it is the biggest tragedy of my 40 years of existence. I have never thought that I would feel so betrayed by the action of my own country.
I have a lot of friends in Ukraine and a lot of friends and family in Russia. During my upbringing and the upbringing of my parents we always considered each other as closest brother nations.
We had free movement between our cities, we never considered each other different. We supported each other, we fell in love with each other – before these horrific atrocities were conducted by the Russian regime.
All my family is shocked, all the people that I know are shocked, angry, and feel betrayed.
The repercussions for Europe and the whole world are very unpredictable.
The rhetoric that is coming out from the Russian and Western media are so polarised that it is making me sick. I believe that most of Russians also feel the same. Russians are a very proud nation and in our history no one has ever betrayed us more than this regime.
My thoughts and prayers are going to all the Ukrainian people and the poor Russian soldiers, young boys that have been thrown into this brother-killing conflict.
Sorry for emotions, but I don’t have many people to express them to and I consider all of you my family.
Sincerely,
Timur Sardarov
Source: MV Agusta USA
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