Since the beginning of the war on Ukraine, CND has stood in opposition to the invasion, and called for negotiations to end the war with all possible speed. We have also reached out to those opposing the war in Russia and Ukraine, offering our solidarity and helping to make their voices heard. One of our regular contacts has been Yurii Sheliazhenko, from the Ukrainian Pacifist Movement, a Council Member of the International Peace Bureau (IPB) and a recipient of the prestigious Seán MacBride Prize.

Yurii lives in Kyiv and has been joining our webinars from his home there since the invasion began. We are distressed to hear that the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has now taken action against Yurii. He has been charged with the offence of “justification of Russian aggression” and his apartment was searched based on his document titled Peace Agenda for Ukraine and the World.

The IPB is asking for our support in spreading awareness about this alarming situation, and asking that we join them in urging the Ukrainian authorities to reconsider their actions and ensure that Yurii’s rights are fully respected.

Here are some useful resources:
1. Yurii’s responses to the charges and search can be found here.
2. A petition for the Ukrainian government to drop the prosecution of Yurii can be found here.
3. Please read and share the IPB Press Release.

Thank you for anything you can do to support Yurii. As we face increasing attacks on our rights and freedoms here in Britain, let’s work together to safeguard the principles of peace and human rights for Yurii and all those opposing war.

Dr Kate Hudson

CND General Secretary