I have recently come back from providing essential assistance to first responders and labor representatives in the Donbas area of Ukraine. Despite facing daily power outages, missile attacks, and civilian casualties in various settings like homes, schools, hospitals, and even nurseries, the Ukrainian people demonstrate remarkable resilience. While they desire peace, they refuse to surrender their nation to Russia and endure the harsh realities of living under foreign control.
During my visit to the Save Ukraine center, I encountered children who had been rescued from the occupied territories, revealing a distressing statistic that one in ten had experienced sexual abuse. The reported figure of over 20,000 children abducted by Russian forces is likely an underestimate, indicating a widespread issue of child exploitation.
In a concerning development, Roman Abramovich, a sanctioned Russian billionaire, is impeding the transfer of £2.5 billion from the sale of Chelsea FC to aid Ukraine, while simultaneously contesting the freezing of his substantial assets in Jersey. The involvement of a member of the Conservative Shadow Cabinet in assisting Abramovich in the Jersey legal battle, particularly Lord Wolfson KC, the Shadow Attorney General, has raised significant ethical questions given Abramovich’s ties to Putin.
The decision by Lord Wolfson to represent Abramovich alongside Eric Herschmann, a former Trump adviser, is seen as a troubling return to normalizing relationships with Russian oligarchs, especially in the current context of ongoing conflicts and atrocities in Ukraine. The defense that this legal representation is merely a professional duty falls short in restoring public trust.
The situation is further exacerbated by the broader trend of populist and far-right political figures, including those in prominent positions like the White House, advocating for closer ties with Moscow. The United Kingdom is not immune to this influence, as evidenced by instances like Nigel Farage echoing Kremlin narratives.
The failure to address the implications of Wolfson’s collaboration with a sanctioned oligarch raises serious concerns about the Conservative Party’s direction under Kemi Badenoch’s leadership. Holding them accountable for this controversial association is crucial for upholding democratic values.
It is imperative for the Labour government to take decisive action by enacting emergency measures to prevent sanctioned oligarchs from exploiting the UK legal system and redirecting the nearly £30 billion in frozen Russian assets towards supporting Ukraine’s cause. As Ukraine stands at the forefront of the fight for democracy, it is vital for the international community to show solidarity and support their struggle. Join us in demonstrating solidarity with Ukraine outside Tory Headquarters on Wednesday, January 7th at 5pm to voice your support for Ukraine’s sovereignty.
For more details on this unfolding situation, including Lord Wolfson’s response, click HERE.
