PREVIEW

On Monday and Tuesday, Ukrainian protesters marked the 1000th day since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine (19November2024) by driving giant posters carrying important messages around key locations in London.

These included the Houses of Parliament, the Foreign Office, and 10 Downing Street, on Monday, and the Russian Embassy on Tuesday.
The protesters urged UK Prime Minister to continue and bolster UK support for Ukraine amidst Russia’s unrelenting aggression.

Campaigners also staged visits to a property owned by Russian oligarch Vladimir Yevtushenkov on Monday, highlighting the influence of Russian money in London, which continues to fund the war in Ukraine.

Tuesday, 19 November 2024, marks a sombre milestone: 1,000 days since Russia launched its full invasion of Ukraine - a war of aggression that since February 2022, has involved attacks on civilians, reports of torture, and forced deportations of children, as well as regular strikes on infrastructure and energy supplies.

The Ukraine Solidarity Project and Campaign for Ukraine are urging the UK to remain steadfast in its support, particularly after the election of Donald Trump as President. Trump has indicated he will look to wind down American support for Ukraine.

The activists are demanding stronger measures against Russia’s shadow oil fleet – ageing, leaking vessels circumventing sanctions to finance the war – and increased sanctions on Russian oligarchs whose wealth allegedly still flows through London. Campaigners are also pressing for the transfer of frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine, alongside the sanctioning of properties linked to Kremlin-affiliated individuals.

In addition, they are calling for the UK to lead the global charge for justice, ensuring accountability for war crimes carried out by Russia in Ukraine.

“As long as we have hope, there’s so much we can do,” said Valeriia Voshchevska of the Ukraine Solidarity Project. “We must organise, speak up, and call on the UK and Europe to step up like never before in supporting the people of Ukraine. The war must end on Ukraine’s terms, and that is what we urge the UK government to support. We will not lose hope.”

Olena Ivaschenko, founder of Campaign for Ukraine, added: “It is embarrassing that the UK’s capital is still widely known as ‘Londongrad’. Russian oligarchs still call the city home, even 1000 days into Russia’s brutal invasion that has killed so many in Ukraine. This has to stop. The UK has the power to strike Putin where it hurts most: his wallet.”