Green Party statement on anniversary of war on Ukraine
24 February 2023
On the first anniversary of Russia’s war on Ukraine, Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay said:
“We extend our solidarity to the people of Ukraine who have resisted a year of Putin’s war and we send our deep condolences to all those who have lost loved ones.
“War carries huge costs for all sides involved and we must all work to bring it to a just end as soon as possible.
“A just peace must include holding to account those responsible for the many atrocities, such as in Bucha, the sexual violence and indiscriminate attacks against civilians. These are war crimes that must be prosecuted.
“I welcome the UN General Assembly vote calling for Russia’s unconditional withdrawal, a just and lasting peace based on the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Ukraine and the need for an immediate cessation of hostilities [1].
“Countries around the world must now show their solidarity by engaging with the UN which recognises both Ukraine’s right to exist in peace and independence and the need to end the war.”
Green Party Global Solidarity spokesperson, and former British Diplomat, Carne Ross added:
“On this tragic anniversary, the Green Party stands with the people of Ukraine in their fight against invasion and aggression. We support democracy and self-determination and Ukraine’s right to exist as an independent, free country.
“We utterly condemn Russia’s continued hostility and aggression towards Ukraine, attacks against civilians and other war crimes.
“The Green Party also believes that Ukraine should be provided with the means for its self-defence, including battle tanks and other weapons.
“We call on the UN Secretary-General to engage in diplomacy to explore the pathway towards an end to this awful war, and call upon him to communicate between Russia and other nuclear powers in the ‘P5’ to minimise the risk of the use of a nuclear weapon.
“This war will end one day, hopefully with Russia’s defeat and Ukraine’s total liberation, but it remains incumbent on all to bring that day forward.”