TODAY
“Legitimizing this aggression by accepting the occupation would embolden dictators around the world”
They will carry placards saying Occupation is not Peace! and Don’t Betray Ukraine! behind a banner calling for Russian Troops Out.
The demonstration is called by a coalition of Ukrainian community organisations, trade unions and civil society organisations.
Ukrainians sponsors include Vsesvit, the Campaign for Ukraine, KHARPP humanitarian charity, Rozviyyouth movement and Ukrainian student societies.
The march will be led by the Ukrainian singers from the Hromada choir.
The Trade Unions Congress is supporting the demonstration along with national unions GMB, ASLEF, PCS, UCU, UNISON and the NUM.
The march aims to show Ukrainians we still stand with them in their battle against Russian aggression, for as long as it takes for them to liberate their country.
The organisers issued a joint statement declaring that Ukraine has been made vulnerable by not being provided enough aid to defeat Russia, and is being expected to consign its own citizens to occupation under a deal imposed by Trump.
We are calling for renewed solidarity, that peace must come with the full withdrawal of Russian forces, for a surge in military aid to strengthen Ukraine in any negotiations and be able to finally end the occupation if no just agreement is secured.
Saturday 22nd February
Assemble St Volodymyr Statue, Holland Park, 12:00 noon
March to Russian Embassy for rally at 13:00.
Olena Ivashchenko, Director of the Campaign for Ukraine said: “Right now, Ukraine’s future is being decided by politicians behind closed doors. But one thing is clear – true and sustainable peace cannot be achieved without justice. We call for Russia to withdraw its troops from all of Ukraine, for Trump to end his backroom power games, and for the UK to strengthen its leadership in safeguarding Ukraine’s sovereignty and Europe’s security.”
Barbara Plant, President of the GMB union said: “GMB remains firmly in solidarity with the Ukrainian people in their fight for freedom from Russian military aggression. Only the ability for the Ukrainian people to truly determine their own future free from Putin’s occupation will bring about a just or lasting peace, and certainly not an alliance of oligarchs.
“We will be marching on Saturday for the immediate withdrawal of Russian troops and for a peace that has Ukraine’s sovereignty, social justice and support of the Ukrainian people at its heart.”
Christopher Ford, Secretary of Ukraine Solidarity Campaign said: “The millions who have stood by Ukraine are appalled at the conduct of Trump and the threat of betrayal. Promises made to do whatever it takes to help Ukraine win have collapsed without any explanation. We must show that this is not inevitable and raise our voices that a partition and occupation is not a sustainable peace. The UK and Europe must not repeat the errors of 1930s appeasement.”
Mariia Pastukh of Vsesvit, Ukraine solidarity collective said: “We are calling this rally near the Russian Embassy to draw attention to the root cause of this war: Russia’s imperialist ambitions, which fuelled its brutal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. We demand that Russia’s crimes in Ukraine not be forgotten. Legitimizing this aggression by accepting the occupation would embolden dictators around the world.”
John McDonnell MP, a founder of the Ukraine Solidarity Campaign said: “We’ll be calling for peace, but a just peace determined by the Ukrainian people and not imposed upon them by either Trump or Putin. Join us in solidarity with Ukraine.”
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