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As the war in Ukraine enters its third year, the stakes for democracy, human rights, and global stability have never been higher. Russia’s unprovoked invasion and continued aggression represent a direct assault on the principles of sovereignty and self-determination. In this context, calls to defund military aid to Ukraine—often framed as a step toward peace—risk undermining the very values that peace movements seek to uphold. For Greens and progressives, supporting Ukraine’s right to self-defence is not a betrayal of pacifist ideals but a necessary stance against authoritarianism and imperialism.

Since 2014, and especially following the full-scale invasion in 2022, Russia has violated multiple international agreements, including the Budapest Memorandum and the Minsk Accords. These violations have been accompanied by widespread human rights abuses in occupied territories: forced deportations, torture, suppression of Ukrainian language and culture, and the exploitation of natural resources. The Kremlin’s actions are not isolated incidents but part of a broader strategy of colonial expansion and destabilisation. Defunding military aid would embolden this aggression and signal a retreat from the international community’s responsibility to uphold justice.

Critics of military aid often argue that continued support fuels conflict and delays peace. However, this perspective overlooks the nature of Ukraine’s struggle. Ukraine is not waging a war of conquest; it is defending its people and territory against an invading force. The notion that peace can be achieved by pressuring Ukraine to accept unjust terms—such as ceding territory or relinquishing sovereignty—is deeply flawed. As the British-Ukrainian Green activist Viktoriya Ball emphasises, peace without justice is not peace at all. It is a capitulation that would store up more barbarism for the future.

The humanitarian consequences of defunding aid would be severe. Ukrainian civilians continue to suffer under relentless missile and drone attacks, with towns and villages razed and millions displaced. Military aid has been crucial in enabling Ukraine to protect its infrastructure, maintain essential services, and prevent further atrocities. Removing this support would not only jeopardise Ukraine’s ability to defend itself but also exacerbate the humanitarian crisis, leading to more deaths, displacement, and suffering.

Moreover, the strategic implications of defunding aid extend beyond Ukraine. An outright Russian victory would embolden authoritarian regimes worldwide, undermining international law and setting a dangerous precedent that borders can be redrawn by force. It would also destabilise Europe, increase the risk of further conflicts, and weaken the global response to other crises, including the climate emergency. As highlighted in the late motion submitted to Green Party Autumn Conference, L2 ‘Standing up for Ukraine’, supporting Ukraine is essential to resisting the rise of right-wing authoritarianism and defending democratic values.

Some argue that military aid contradicts Green principles of nonviolence and environmental sustainability. While it is true that war has devastating ecological impacts, the alternative—allowing Russia to dominate Ukraine—would be far worse. Russia’s war has already caused massive environmental destruction, including deliberate flooding, pollution, and the targeting of energy infrastructure. Supporting Ukraine’s defence is not about endorsing militarism but about preventing further ecological and human catastrophe.

Furthermore, Greens have a unique role in advocating for a just and sustainable recovery. This includes ensuring that reconstruction efforts prioritise community needs, environmental protection, and democratic governance. By supporting Ukraine’s self-defence, we help create the conditions necessary for such a recovery. Defunding aid would leave Ukraine vulnerable to exploitation by foreign powers and corporations, undermining the prospects for a grassroots-led, people-centred rebuilding process.

It is also important to recognise the agency of Ukrainians themselves. Progressive social movements and trade unions in Ukraine support the country’s war of self-defence while opposing neoliberal policies. Their voices must be central in shaping the future of Ukraine. Solidarity means listening to those most affected and supporting their right to resist oppression. As Greens, we must stand with these movements, not abandon them in the name of abstract pacifism.

The moral imperative to support Ukraine is clear. But there is also a practical dimension. Military aid does not necessarily require increased spending; it can involve reallocating existing resources and ensuring that aid is used effectively and accountably. The goal is not to escalate conflict but to enable Ukraine to defend its sovereignty and protect its people. This approach aligns with Green values of justice, democracy, and human rights.

In conclusion, defunding military aid to Ukraine would be a grave mistake. It would betray the principles of self-determination, embolden authoritarianism, and deepen human suffering. Greens must advocate for a balanced approach that supports Ukraine’s right to self-defence while promoting peace, justice, and sustainability. This is not a contradiction—it is a necessary stance in a world where the forces of oppression are on the rise. Solidarity with Ukraine is not just a political position; it is a moral obligation.

Image credit: Up9 – Creative Commons