An international coalition of MPs, trade unionists and campaigners have demanded that peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine bring an end to Russian occupation, justice for war crimes and the return of abducted Ukrainian children. 

Former shadow chancellor and Labour MP John McDonnell, Labour MP for Norwich South Clive Lewis and Labour MP for Nottingham East Nadia Whittome are among the signatories of the Ukraine Solidarity Campaign’s statement, which warns against appeasing Putin and surrendering Ukrainian territory to Russian occupation.

They are joined by representatives from the National Union of Mineworkers, the train drivers union ASLEF and the PCSU, as well as human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell and US-Ukrainian senator Tanya Vyhovsky, as well as a number of Ukrainian trade unionists and labour rights activists. 

The statement comes as Trump sidelines Ukraine in peace negotiations while repeating Russian propaganda, such as false claims that the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station is on the Russian-Ukraine border. Trump’s favourable approach to Putin, combined with false statements that Ukraine bears responsibility for Russia’s full-scale invasion, raises concerns that any peace deal will favour Russian aggression and punish Ukraine.

People living in Russian-occupied regions of Ukraine endure torture, homelessness, sexual violence, summary executions and daily oppression. Prisoners in the occupied regions are held in terrifying conditions, malnourished and beaten. And the ongoing horror of child abductions with the intent of Russifying Ukrainian children is a form of genocidal violence.

The Ukraine Solidarity Campaign is therefore demanding that any peace negotiations end Russia’s occupation of Ukraine, with justice for war crimes committed by Russian forces, and the return of Ukrainian children to their homes and families. 

The statement also makes clear that Ukraine must be given the aid it needs to win this war, with frozen Russian assets in Europe released to help fund military aid and a fair, just reconstruction. Signatories recommend a Save Ukraine summit that brings European and other leaders together to plan for a sustainable and fair peace, while rejecting Trump’s coercive approach that seeks to extract Ukraine’s mineral wealth in exchange for support. 

“If Britain is to maintain credibility in its steadfast support for Ukraine, it cannot afford strategic ambiguity,” said Clive Lewis MP. “It must anchor itself firmly within a European security architecture. Any lingering fantasy of an unbreakable ‘special relationship’ with the US must confront the cold truth: America, under Trump’s isolationist spell, is more unreliable than ever.”

Here is the full statement:

A FREE AND UNITED UKRAINE: AN ALTERNATIVE TO RUSSIAN OCCUPATION

The UK government, the labour and trade union movement, and wider civil society, must oppose the imposition of an unjust peace that cements Russia’s occupation of Ukraine.

Ukraine’s natural resources must not be exploited for the benefit of Western corporations and oligarchs. Instead, deals must serve the interests of Ukrainian people and protect the environment under democratic oversight.

A just and lasting peace must align with the Ukrainian people’s right to a free, democratic and united Ukraine.   

Key Points:

1. Aid to Ukraine: Increase aid with critical weapons to restore frontline confidence, strengthening military capabilities, and rejecting any loss of sovereignty.

2. Economic Measures: Transfer frozen Russian assets to Ukraine, cancel Ukraine’s international debt, and implement stronger sanctions against Putin’s regime and the oligarchs who support it.

3. International Support: Convene an emergency “Save Ukraine” summit of European and allied nations for necessary military and financial support, ensuring Ukraine can negotiate freely without coercion.

4. Justice for War Crimes: Establish international mechanisms for justice and accountability for Russia’s war crimes and the crime of aggression. The abducted Ukrainian children must be returned, and the perpetrators brought to justice.

5. Reconstruction of Ukraine: Support a progressive, socially just reconstruction with democratic participation that empowers Ukrainian trade unions and civil society.  Withdraw the proposed Labour Code that restricts workers’ rights and unions.

6. Opposition to Trumpist Reaction: Recognise Trump’s alignment with Putin and his coercion of Ukraine, posing a threat to global democracy. The government should rescind its offer of a state visit and rally Europe to act independently.

7. Reverse Foreign Aid Cuts: Finance Ukraine’s defence by seizing Russian assets, imposing taxes on billionaires and corporations, and relaxing fiscal regulations. Cutting foreign aid is counterproductive and weakens support for Ukraine.

 Signed:

John McDonnell,  Labour MP for Hayes and Harlington

Clive Lewis, Labour MP for Norwich South

Nadia Whittome, Labour MP for Nottingham East 

 Chris Kitchen, General Secretary, National Union of Mineworkers

Mick Whelan, General Secretary, ASLEF

John Moloney, Asst General Secretary Public and Commercial Service Union (personal capacity)

 Mick Antoniw, Welsh Senedd Member for Pontypridd

Tanya Vyhovsky, Progressive/Democrat Senator, Vermont, USA

 Olena Ivashchenko, Director  of Campaign for Ukraine

Christopher Ford, Ukraine Solidarity Campaign

Mariia Pastukh, Vsesvit Ukraine Solidarity Collective

 Vasyl Andreyev, President of the Construction and Building Materials Workers Union of Ukraine,

Yury Levchenko, Chairman People Power, Ukrainian labour party

Oksana Holota, KVPU, Confederation of Free Trade Unions of Ukraine (pc)

Daryna Korostii,  President of Ukrainian Student Society (UL)

Pavlo Holota, NGPU, Independent Trade Union of Mineworkers of Ukraine (pc)

 Peter Tatchell, Human Rights Campaigner

Mark Serwotka, General Secretary, PCSU (2005-2024).

Meeting tonight:

On 24th March Ian Lavery MP is hosting a special meeting in Parliament on behalf of Ukraine Solidarity Campaign, with two left-wing political leaders of Ukrainian heritage from the US and UK, both speaking in person:

• Tanya Vyhovsky is a State Senator in Vermont. She is a member of the Vermont Progressive Party, and works with Bernie Sanders (who lives in her district!)

• Mick Antoniw is a member of the Welsh Senedd and was Counsel General for Wales 2021-24. He is a member of Ukraine Solidarity Campaign’s steering committee.

Alongside the discussion, we will be launching the above charter of demands for stronger UK and international solidarity with Ukraine and with its workers’ movement. Please join us for this important event. Register here: http://bit.ly/tanyavmeeting.

Please note that this event is only for those who have registered. It is a free event, but please consider buying a paid ticket. Funds will go to our new appeal in support of the “Step To Victory” Humanitarian Headquarters social centre in Pershotravensk / Shakhtarske, in the Dnipropetrovsk region.