I have recently come back from providing essential assistance to first responders and labor union members in the Donbas area of Ukraine.
Despite facing daily power outages, missile attacks, and civilian casualties in various settings like homes, schools, hospitals, and kindergartens, the Ukrainian people remain strong-willed. Their desire for peace does not equate to surrendering their nation to Russian control and the harsh realities of occupation.
During my visit to the Save Ukraine center, I encountered children who were rescued from the occupied territories. Shockingly, one in ten children had experienced sexual abuse. The number of children reportedly taken by Russia exceeds 20,000, showcasing a disturbing prevalence of child exploitation.
Amidst these distressing circumstances, it is disheartening that Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich, who is under sanctions, is impeding the transfer of £2.5 billion from the Chelsea FC sale for Ukraine aid. He is also entangled in a legal battle over frozen assets in Jersey, with the support of a member of the Conservative Shadow Cabinet, Lord Wolfson KC.
Lord Wolfson’s involvement in Abramovich’s legal disputes, alongside former Trump advisor Eric Herschmann, suggests a worrying regression to normalizing dealings with Russian oligarchs. Justifying this as standard legal representation does little to instill confidence, especially when Ukraine is fighting for its survival amidst abductions and civilian casualties.
The failure to address Wolfson’s collaboration with a sanctioned oligarch raises significant concerns about the conduct of the Tories under Kemi Badenoch’s leadership. Accountability is crucial in upholding democratic values in the face of such shameful actions.
In response, the Labour government must take decisive action by enacting emergency measures to prevent sanctioned oligarchs from exploiting the UK legal system and by redirecting the nearly £30 billion in frozen Russian assets in the UK to support Ukraine.
With Ukraine at the forefront of the fight for democracy, it is imperative to show solidarity. Join us outside Tory Headquarters on Wednesday, January 7th at 5 pm to stand in support of Ukraine and amplify your voice.
For more details on this issue, including Lord Wolfson’s statement, click here.
