I recently came back from providing essential assistance to first responders and labor union members in the Donbas area of Ukraine. Despite facing daily challenges like power outages, missile attacks, and civilian casualties, the people of Ukraine remain strong-willed and committed to preserving their country’s independence from Russian control.
During my visit to the Save Ukraine center, I encountered children who had been rescued from the occupied territories, revealing a disturbing trend of child abuse, with approximately one in ten children having experienced sexual violence. Additionally, over 20,000 children have been reported missing due to Russian involvement, indicating a widespread issue of child exploitation.
The situation is further complicated by the actions of sanctioned Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, who is impeding the transfer of £2.5 billion from the sale of Chelsea FC for Ukrainian aid, while also entangled in a legal dispute over frozen assets in Jersey, with the support of a member of the Conservative Shadow Cabinet.
The involvement of Lord Wolfson KC, a Conservative peer and the Shadow Attorney General, in representing Abramovich alongside former Trump advisor Eric Herschmann, raises concerns about the normalization of relationships with Russian oligarchs, especially at a time when Ukraine is under severe threat and children are being victimized.
The failure to address the collaboration between Wolfson and the sanctioned oligarch reflects poorly on the Tory leadership under Kemi Badenoch. Urgent measures are needed, including enacting emergency legislation to prevent sanctioned oligarchs from exploiting the UK legal system and transferring the nearly £30 billion in frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine.
In light of Ukraine’s critical position in the fight for democracy, it is essential for everyone to show solidarity with the country. Join us outside Tory Headquarters on Wednesday, January 7th, at 5 pm to stand with Ukraine and demand accountability.
For more details on this issue, including Lord Wolfson’s response, click here.