On August 24th, the global action “Together Against Russian Genocide: United Cities in the Fight for Ukraine’s Independence” will be held in support of Ukraine. 

Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Russia has continued to commit crimes that have been and continue to be committed by the Russian political and military leadership on the territory of Ukraine, which potentially fall under the definition of genocide. This includes, in particular, the forced deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia and to temporarily occupied territories. We invite cities and communities to join us on this important day to draw attention to these critical issues and support the fight for independence. 

Russia intends to completely destroy Ukraine. Actions and statements from the Russian leadership make it clear that the deportation of Ukrainian children is only one component of a broader policy. Russia is systematically implementing measures to integrate these children into Russian society, destroying their Ukrainian identity. Children are sent to Russian-speaking institutions saturated with propaganda, and Russian families receive money for adopting Ukrainian children. This is part of a criminal policy aimed at turning Ukrainian children into Russians and thus achieving the biological extermination of the next generation of Ukrainians. 

The deportation of children is not the only crime of genocide. The massacres in Bucha and Irpin, the crimes committed by Russians in other occupied settlements,humiliation and unacceptable behaviour towards our prisoners of war, as well as the aggressive statements made by political and military leaders and propagandists of the Kremlin against Ukrainians as a nation, are also constitutive elements of genocide.

Proposals for negotiations with Russia amidst the genocidal crimes it is committing are unacceptable. Ukraine cannot agree to negotiations with those who are committing genocide against our people. Our goal remains unchanged: we do not accept scenarios of ceasefire, we deserve victory and for the aggressor to face irreversible punishment for their crimes.

We are deeply grateful to our partners, Ukrainian World Congress and Communities Army Of Ukraine, for their strong support and dedication to our struggle for justice and the independence of Ukraine. 

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Date: 24.08.2024