I recently returned from providing essential assistance to first responders and union members in the Donbas area of Ukraine. Despite facing daily challenges such as power outages, missile attacks, and civilian casualties, Ukrainians exhibit remarkable resilience. While seeking peace, they refuse to surrender their sovereignty to Russia and endure life under occupation.
During my visit to the Save Ukraine center, I encountered children rescued from the occupied regions, revealing distressing statistics. Shockingly, one in ten children experienced sexual abuse, and over 20,000 children are reported as abducted by Russia, hinting at widespread child exploitation.
The situation is further complicated by the actions of sanctioned Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich, who hinders the transfer of £2.5 billion from Chelsea FC’s sale for Ukraine aid. Abramovich is entangled in a legal battle over frozen assets in Jersey, with Lord Wolfson KC, a Conservative peer and the Shadow Attorney General, representing him. This association with a sanctioned figure like Abramovich raises concerns about normalizing ties with Russian oligarchs.
The involvement of Lord Wolfson in Abramovich’s legal affairs amid the ongoing crisis in Ukraine questions the ethical standards of the Conservative party under Kemi Badenoch’s leadership. Urgent measures are needed to prevent oligarchs from exploiting the UK legal system and redirect frozen Russian assets, totaling around £30 billion, to support Ukraine.
As Ukraine fights for democracy on the frontlines, it’s imperative to show solidarity. Join us outside Tory Headquarters on January 7th at 5pm to stand with Ukraine and demand accountability.