Protests Erupt in London Against Russian Occupation of Ukraine
Demonstrators demand increased military support for Ukraine as the anniversary of the invasion approaches.
Thousands of protesters gathered outside the Russian embassy in London over the weekend to express their solidarity with Ukraine ahead of the third anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of the country.
The rally was organized by a coalition of Ukrainian community organizations and UK-based labor unions, urging the international community not to forsake Ukraine in its struggle.
The demonstrators called for the withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine and criticized the perceived lack of sufficient military aid provided to the Ukrainian forces.
In a joint statement, the organizers expressed concerns that Ukraine had become vulnerable due to the inadequate support, alleging that the nation was being pressured to accept a deal that would leave its citizens under occupation.
They emphasized the necessity for renewed international solidarity, stating that peace could only be established through the complete withdrawal of Russian forces.
Carrying placards with slogans such as "Occupation is not Peace" and "Don’t Betray Ukraine", the protesters marched from a statue of St Volodymyr, a significant figure in Ukrainian history, to the Russian embassy located in Kensington Palace Gardens.
St Volodymyr, recognized as a national saint of Ukraine, was commemorated with the statue erected in 1988 to mark the 1,000th anniversary of the Christianization of Ukraine.
Olena Ivashchenko, director of Campaign for Ukraine, highlighted the ongoing negotiations regarding Kyiv's future, asserting that sustainable peace cannot be achieved without addressing justice for Ukraine.
She urged for the withdrawal of Russian troops and called on relevant political leaders to cease what she termed "backroom power games."
The demonstration received support from various national unions, including the Trades Union Congress (TUC), GMB, Unison, and the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM).
Barbara Plant, president of GMB, reaffirmed the union's commitment to supporting the Ukrainian people's fight against Russian aggression, emphasizing that true peace could only be attainable if Ukraine is free from foreign occupation.
Mariia Pastukh, representing the Vsesvit Ukraine solidarity collective, explained that the choice of location for the rally was intended to highlight Russia's "imperialist ambitions" and the unprovoked nature of the invasion.
She expressed the need to remember the crimes committed by Russia in Ukraine, cautioning that legitimizing the occupation could embolden other authoritarian regimes worldwide.
Christopher Ford, secretary of the Ukraine Solidarity Campaign, voiced concern over the threat of betrayal by political leaders, specifically referencing former U.S. President Donald Trump's actions.
He criticized the inconsistency and lack of clarity in promises made to assist Ukraine in its defense against Russian forces, calling for a rejection of any proposals that would lead to partition or occupation as a resolution.
The protest underscores the continued tensions surrounding the conflict in Ukraine and the ongoing international discourse regarding military support and diplomatic strategies aimed at addressing the situation.
The rally was organized by a coalition of Ukrainian community organizations and UK-based labor unions, urging the international community not to forsake Ukraine in its struggle.
The demonstrators called for the withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine and criticized the perceived lack of sufficient military aid provided to the Ukrainian forces.
In a joint statement, the organizers expressed concerns that Ukraine had become vulnerable due to the inadequate support, alleging that the nation was being pressured to accept a deal that would leave its citizens under occupation.
They emphasized the necessity for renewed international solidarity, stating that peace could only be established through the complete withdrawal of Russian forces.
Carrying placards with slogans such as "Occupation is not Peace" and "Don’t Betray Ukraine", the protesters marched from a statue of St Volodymyr, a significant figure in Ukrainian history, to the Russian embassy located in Kensington Palace Gardens.
St Volodymyr, recognized as a national saint of Ukraine, was commemorated with the statue erected in 1988 to mark the 1,000th anniversary of the Christianization of Ukraine.
Olena Ivashchenko, director of Campaign for Ukraine, highlighted the ongoing negotiations regarding Kyiv's future, asserting that sustainable peace cannot be achieved without addressing justice for Ukraine.
She urged for the withdrawal of Russian troops and called on relevant political leaders to cease what she termed "backroom power games."
The demonstration received support from various national unions, including the Trades Union Congress (TUC), GMB, Unison, and the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM).
Barbara Plant, president of GMB, reaffirmed the union's commitment to supporting the Ukrainian people's fight against Russian aggression, emphasizing that true peace could only be attainable if Ukraine is free from foreign occupation.
Mariia Pastukh, representing the Vsesvit Ukraine solidarity collective, explained that the choice of location for the rally was intended to highlight Russia's "imperialist ambitions" and the unprovoked nature of the invasion.
She expressed the need to remember the crimes committed by Russia in Ukraine, cautioning that legitimizing the occupation could embolden other authoritarian regimes worldwide.
Christopher Ford, secretary of the Ukraine Solidarity Campaign, voiced concern over the threat of betrayal by political leaders, specifically referencing former U.S. President Donald Trump's actions.
He criticized the inconsistency and lack of clarity in promises made to assist Ukraine in its defense against Russian forces, calling for a rejection of any proposals that would lead to partition or occupation as a resolution.
The protest underscores the continued tensions surrounding the conflict in Ukraine and the ongoing international discourse regarding military support and diplomatic strategies aimed at addressing the situation.
