I have recently come back from providing essential support to emergency 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 even nurseries, the Ukrainian people display remarkable strength. They desire peace but are unwilling to surrender their nation to Russia and endure the hardships of living under occupation.
During my visit to the Save Ukraine facility, I encountered youngsters rescued from the occupied territories. Shockingly, one out of every ten children had experienced sexual abuse. The count of over 20,000 children reported as abducted by Russia is likely underrepresented, indicating a pervasive issue of child exploitation.
Amidst these distressing circumstances, it is disheartening that Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich, subject to sanctions, is impeding the transfer of £2.5 billion from the sale of Chelsea FC for aiding Ukraine. The situation is further exacerbated by legal disputes over frozen assets amounting to billions in Jersey, where Abramovich is being assisted by a member of the Conservative Shadow Cabinet, Lord Wolfson KC.
Lord Wolfson, not merely a legal representative for a wealthy client, is a Conservative peer and the Shadow Attorney General. As Abramovich’s legal counsel, along with former Trump advisor Eric Herschmann, Lord Wolfson’s involvement raises concerns about the normalization of relationships with sanctioned Russian oligarchs, especially given Abramovich’s close ties to Putin.
The current legal wrangling cannot be viewed in isolation while children are being abducted, civilians are losing their lives, and Ukraine is fighting for its existence. There is a worrying trend toward reconciling with Russian oligarchs, as seen in various Western countries, including the UK, where political figures echo Kremlin narratives.
The failure to address Lord Wolfson’s collaboration with a sanctioned oligarch raises serious doubts about the Conservative Party’s stance under Kemi Badenoch’s leadership. Upholding democracy demands accountability for this troubling situation.
In response, the Labour government must take decisive action by enacting emergency legislation to prevent sanctioned oligarchs from exploiting the UK legal system and transferring the nearly £30 billion frozen Russian assets in the UK to assist Ukraine.
Ukraine stands at the forefront of the struggle for democracy, necessitating our unwavering support. Join us outside Tory Headquarters on Wednesday 7 January at 5 pm to stand in solidarity with Ukraine and voice your concerns.
For further details on the controversy, including Lord Wolfson’s statements, click on the link provided.