Council leader calls for more action against Russian oligarchs
The Ukrainian flag flying outside 145 King Street in Hammersmith
Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine last Thursday, Hammersmith and Fulham Council has declared its solidarity with the people of the country.
As a symbol of support, the flag of Ukraine is now flying at the council’s offices at 145 King Street.
The council is also urging residents to support a humanitarian appeal promoted by British-Ukrainian Aid to help those affected by Russia’s military action.
Council leader Stephen Cowan said, “Many Ukrainians have long made Hammersmith & Fulham their home. I can only imagine the raw sense of fear they have for their family and friends as Putin’s planes and missiles bomb their country, and Putin’s tanks and soldiers seek to fight and kill the people they love for defending their homeland. I know all of us in Hammersmith & Fulham feel a heartfelt sense of solidarity with Ukrainians everywhere.
“While our grandparents and great grandparents knew what it was like to resist an invasion, mine and other generations of Britons have enjoyed decades of European peace and prosperity.
“But now we face Vladimir Putin. A man who stole Russia’s democracy and made himself a billionaire. He invaded Georgia in 2008 and Crimea in 2014. He bombed civilians in Syria. He put Novichok onto the streets of Salisbury and Polonium onto the streets of London. And he regularly uses cyber warfare against us – influencing the US elections and the Brexit referendum in 2016.”
He added that with £1.5billion of UK property owned by Russian oligarchs accused of financial crime or with links to the Kremlin more must be done including the implementation of the Russia Report which was published in 2020 by Parliament’s intelligence and security committee.
Over the coming days and weeks the council says it will continue to highlight other means of support to Ukraine and to any local residents impacted by the invasion.
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Jacob Phillips - Local Democracy Reporter
February 28, 2022
