Another Ukraine is possible – free from occupation

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AUGUST 5, 2025

The Ukraine Solidarity Campaign has a plan for an alternative to Russian occupation.

The UK government, the labour and trade union movement and wider civil society must oppose the imposition of an unjust peace that cements Russia’s occupation of Ukraine.

Ukraine’s natural resources must not be exploited for the benefit of Western corporations and oligarchs. Instead, deals must serve the interests of Ukrainian people and protect the environment under democratic oversight.

A just and lasting peace must align with the Ukrainian people’s right to a free, democratic and united Ukraine.   

1. Aid to Ukraine: Increase aid with critical weapons to restore frontline confidence, strengthening military capabilities, and rejecting any loss of sovereignty.

2. Economic Measures: Transfer frozen Russian assets to Ukraine, cancel Ukraine’s international debt, and implement stronger sanctions against Putin’s regime and the oligarchs who support it.

3. International Support: Convene an emergency “Save Ukraine” summit of European and allied nations for necessary military and financial support, ensuring Ukraine can negotiate freely without coercion.

4. Justice for War Crimes: Establish international mechanisms for justice and accountability for Russia’s war crimes and the crime of aggression. The abducted Ukrainian children must be returned, and the perpetrators brought to justice.

5. Reconstruction of Ukraine: Support a progressive, socially just reconstruction with democratic participation that empowers Ukrainian trade unions and civil society.  Withdraw the proposed Labour Code that restricts workers’ rights and unions.

6. Opposition to Trumpist Reaction: Recognise Trump’s alignment with Putin and his coercion of Ukraine, posing a threat to global democracy. The government should rescind its offer of a state visit and rally Europe to act independently.

7. Reverse Foreign Aid Cuts: Finance Ukraine’s defence by seizing Russian assets, imposing taxes on billionaires and corporations, and relaxing fiscal regulations. Cutting foreign aid is counterproductive and weakens support for Ukraine.

Signatories include:

John McDonnell, MP for Hayes and Harlington

Nadia Whittome,  MP for Nottingham East

Clive Lewis, MP for Norwich South

Rachael Maskell, MP for York Central

Margaret Mullane, MP Dagenham and Rainham

Ian Lavery, Labour MP, for Blyth and Ashington

Mick Antoniw, Member of Senedd for Pontypridd

Baroness Christine Blower

Julie Ward, MEP for NW England 2014-20

Mick Whelan, General Secretary, ASLEF train drivers union

Chris Kitchen, General Secretary, National Union of Mineworkers

George Monbiot, journalist and environmental activist

Andrew Fisher, i paper columnist

Peter Tatchell, Human Rights Campaigner

John Moloney, Asst General Secretary, Public and Commercial Service Union (pc)

Bev Laidlaw, Deputy President, Public and Commercial Service Union (pc)

Mark Serwotka, General Secretary, PCS union (2000-2024)

Oksana Holota, Confederation of Free Trade Unions of Ukraine

Vasyl Andreyev, Vice President,  Federation of Trade Unions of Ukraine

Tanya Vyhovsky, Senator, Vermont, USA

Snizhana Oleksun, Chair of Social Movement, Ukraine

Olena Ivashchenko, Director of Campaign for Ukraine

Mariia Pastukh, Vsesvit Ukraine solidarity collective

Christopher Ford, Secretary of Ukraine Solidarity Campaign

Daryna Korostii,  President of Ukrainian Student Society  

Yury Levchenko, Chairman Peoples Power, Ukrainian labour party

Olena Skomoroshchenko, Secretary, Social Democratic Party of Ukraine

Pavlo Holota, NGPU, Independent Trade Union of Mineworkers of Ukraine (pc)

Councillor Tom Miller, Brent Council

Councillor Susan Press, Todmorden Town Council

Dr Yuliya Yurchenko, University of Greenwich

Dr Natalie Kopytko, University of Leeds,

Dr Gregory Schwartz, University of Bristol.

Dr Luke Cooper, London School of Economics

Peter Duncan, Associate Professor, University College London

Professor Bill Bowring University of London.

Support the plan here.

UKRAINE SOLIDARITY CAMPAIGN   website: ukrainesolidaritycampaign.org Instagram: @ukraine_solidarity_campaign Youtube: @ukrainesolidaritycampaign654