One year ago today, Russia began its illegal invasion of Ukraine. 

Since then, death tolls have continued to rise, over 5 million Ukrainians have been displaced and, as a result, the refugee crisis in Europe has reached its highest levels since WWII.  

The unprecedented level of courage, resolve and bravery we have seen is remarkable. And this is why I am writing today, because — together — as Europeans, as internationalists, and as fellow humans, Ukraine is with us, and we are with them. 

With international support, Ukraine managed to survive the winter and earlier this month President Zelenskyy travelled – for the first time since Russia’s invasion began – to deliver speeches around Europe. First in Westminster and then in Brussels, where Zelensky announced to the European Parliament that Ukraine, one day, will join the European Union. 

Last March our movement was invited to organise the UK with Ukraine rally in London, alongside the Mayor of London’s office. And what I said to the crowds in Trafalgar Square still rings true today, that the only route to a peaceful future is one where we unite with our neighbours in Europe and around the world.  

What we have all seen over the last 12 months is that, in the face of Putin’s lethal campaign to annex parts of Ukraine, Europe is stronger when European nations work closely together. 

In what has been a dark year, we have seen that freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and human rights are the true values which unite our continent.  

Putin gave a state-of-the-nation address on Tuesday morning ahead of today, the first anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine today. 

"I want to repeat,” Putin told the world, “it is them who are culpable for the war, and we are using force to stop it."  

He went on to announce that he will suspend Russia’s participation in New START, the last remaining nuclear arms treaty with the US. 

But such threats are not new.  

Putin’s invasion of Ukraine underscores the importance of working across Europe to bolster our security and defence.  

This is why The European Movement will continue to advocate for a closer relationship between the UK, Ukraine and the EU to defend our shared democracy and ensure Ukraine prevails. 

Together, we must continue protecting and fighting for Ukraine's right to live in a peaceful and united Europe. 

At the European Movement and Mayor of London’s UK with Ukraine rally, Anna Bird, CEO of European Movement will say:

Freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law, human rights – these are the true values that unite our continent.

But just as these fundamental values have their champions, they too have their opponents.

That is why we've come to Trafalgar Square today, the centre of national democracy and protest.

With 100 years of important and necessary acts of protest and solidarity before us.

I wish it were not the case but contributing to that legacy of protest is deeply, deeply necessary.

So today — we join citizens across Europe to oppose Putin's aggressive war in Ukraine.

Because it cannot be that President Zelensky and the people of Ukraine must put their very lives on the line for the basic right to live in peace.

A right we take for granted.

The question now asked of us is, will we, as a country stay true to our values and defend the rights of our neighbours?

For me, for the European Movement, the answer to this is rooted in our belief that a closer, more united and peaceful Europe is in all of our interests.

For one day, our children and our grandchildren will learn about this horrifying time in their history lessons.

They will come home and ask us what we did in these moments that mattered.

What did we do when we saw a senseless, immoral and illegal attack on our neighbour?

I want to be able to look my children in the eye and say I — and all of us here — did everything possible.

That we spoke up, protested and marched.

That we donated, petitioned and demanded action.

That we opened our homes, opened our arms and brought the world closer together.

That is the duty of all of us here.

And whilst it is easy for opponents of peace to say that Putin doesn't care about what's happening here today or that he isn't listening.

The world is watching.

The people of Ukraine are listening and looking for hope. They need to know we're on their side.

I am certain of this: The only route to a peaceful future is one where we unite with our neighbours in Europe and around the world.

And that means me. That means you. That means all of us. Here today. Together. Protecting and fighting for Ukraine's right to live in a peaceful and united Europe.

So today — together — as Britons, as Europeans and internationalists we tell the world that Ukraine is with us, and we are with them.

Today — together — we tell Putin he will fail.
Today — together — we draw the line.
Today — together — and each day until Ukraine prevails.

Thank you.

A devastating consequence of Putin’s invasion has been millions of people forced to flee Ukraine.

In just the first 3 weeks since the conflict started three million people have been forced to leave their homes in Ukraine to find a place of safety.

Right now, in response to this humanitarian crisis European solidarity, collaboration, and action could not be more important. And that’s why our latest event brought together organisations working on the front lines with refugees to discuss - What can we, as Europeans, do?

You can watch the event here: 

Europe's response to the Ukraine refugee crisis. What can we do? https://t.co/eoW0a3vYiD

— European Movement UK (@euromove) March 15, 2022

In the face of a humanitarian crisis like this, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. But already we have been moved by the response of individuals across the UK and Europe who want to help.

During the event, we asked every organisation who was a part of the event what European Movement UK supporters, activists, and members can do to help. You can watch back here to find out more, or we have put together a list of actions that you can take right now: 

Here’s how you can help: 

• Ask your MP to act 

Ukraine is under attack. Appallingly, so is the UK's refugee protection system. You can ask your MP to stand with refugees here on Refugee Action's website and against the punishment the Anti-Refugee Bill promises to dish out to people seeking safety.

• Do you speak Ukrainian? 

If you speak Ukrainian or Russian, you can help by volunteering your time and helping to get clear and simple information to refugees in Ukrainian and Russian. 

You can volunteer with Care4Calais here or Settled here: 

Or you could even work in the Settled team by contacting them at this email address: [email protected].

• Chip in to help the work of people supporting refugees 

Your support could make a real difference to refugees who have been forced to flee. You can donate or fundraise for various charities, including the ones that took part in the event: 

• Donate to Care4Calais here
• Donate to Refugee Action here. 
• Donate to Settled here. 
• Support the UN High Commissioner for Refugees

• Host a refugee in your home. 

We have been amazed by the response of individuals who want to help. Over the past 24 hours in the UK, we've seen over 100,000 families register to offer a place in their homes to people or families who need a place to stay. You can do this here.

• Attend more events in our Ukraine series

This week’s event was just one of many in our series on Ukraine. If you would like to attend events like this in the future, you will have access to our exclusive member events by becoming a member. 

We will be hosting more events in this “What Putin's invasion of Ukraine means for Europe” series, become a member now to avoid missing out:

European Movement UK supports the statement issued by European Movement International:

“The Ukraine crisis has escalated into a further blatant and unlawful violation of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine. Russia’s actions, which started with the recognition of Russian-backed non-government-controlled region of eastern Ukraine, in violation of the Minsk Agreements, must be rebuffed in the firmest terms.

The European Union must respond in unison to this violation of international law and impose appropriate sanctions to deter further acts of aggression, while continuing to provide assistance to Ukraine in cooperation with its international allies. The EU, in close collaboration with NATO, must take the necessary action to guarantee the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders.

The collective strength of EU member states can best be expressed and articulated when delivered with one European voice.”

Senior Vice-Chair of European Movement UK Molly Scott-Cato said, “We are all holding the Ukranian people in our hearts in these dark days, but my thoughts are also inevitably focused on peace in Europe and considering how we can build lasting peace across our continent.

Peace in Europe was something that few would have dreamed possible when bombs were falling during World War II. Yet the founders of the European Union built one of the most successful peace projects in history out of the rubble of the war.”

Richard Corbett CBE, Vice-Chair of European Movement UK added, “Peace and prosperity. We spoke about it so often in the 2016 referendum campaign. We spoke about how together we are a stronger force on the international stage.

The EU Withdrawal Agreement’s Political Declaration in which both the UK and EU committed to ‘establish a broad, comprehensive and balanced security partnership’ that would allow them to work together on ‘evolving threats, including serious international crime, terrorism, cyber-attacks, disinformation campaigns, hybrid threats, the erosion of the rules-based international order and the resurgence of state-based threats.’

This is exactly the threat that Putin poses to Ukraine and the rest of Europe.

Boris Johnson reneged on that agreement.

It's another example, not that we needed it, of how Brexit isn’t working. It's another example of how Brexit has weakened Britain, undermined our friends and allies, and played its part in breaking such a hard-earned peace in Europe.”

European Movement UK has produced a briefing for members on the Ukraine crisis. This document has details on how our membership can best volunteer their time and where to get verified or first-hand information from journalists on the ground in Ukraine. The briefing can be found here.