Newham NEU notes: 

  • At least 22,000 Ukrainian civilians killed and injured (Ukrainian prosecutors estimate the civilian death toll to be over 100,000)
  • 1,200 Ukrainian children killed and injured 
  • The systematic use of torture, rape and massacres of civilians by Russian forces.
  • Over 400 Schools in Ukraine have been destroyed and 2,600 schools damaged. Only a quarter of schools have been able to fully operate since September. The learning of 5.3 million children in Ukraine has been disrupted.
  • Estimates of $86 billion dollars of damage to civilian infrastructure, with 150,000 homes destroyed. Russia has systematically targeted civilian infrastructure, especially energy facilities.  
  • The illegal Russian occupation of parts of another nation state. 
  • Russian attempts to eradicate Ukrainian culture and nationality, including through removing the Ukrainian curriculum in occupied areas and replacing it with a Russian one.  
  • The abduction and forced deportation of over 16,000 Ukrainian children by Russia.
  • The use of threats of nuclear war by Russia.  

Newham NEU condemns: 

  • The invasion of Ukraine by Russia. 
  • The use of violence and war to change the boundaries of a nation state.   
  • The killing of civilians through massacres, executions, targeted bombing of civilian areas, indiscriminate use of munitions or other means.  
  • The torture and rape of civilians. 
  • The targeted destruction of civilian infrastructure, including: housing, education, hospitals, energy and transport.  
  • The destruction of schools and the disruption and damage to children’s learning.  
  • Attempts to eradicate the Ukrainian language, culture and heritage in those parts of Ukraine Russia has occupied – especially in Russia’s appropriation of Ukranian schools for this goal.  
  • The abduction and forced deportation of Ukrainian children. 
  • The use of threats of nuclear war by Russia.

     

Newham NEU stands in solidarity with: 

  • Ukraine as it faces an unprovoked invasion and war.  
  • All Ukrainian civilians suffering hardships caused by occupation and war. 
  • Trade unions facing censure and oppression in occupied regions. 
  • Children and teachers, attempting to continue to learn and teach despite the appalling conditions. 
  • Ukrainian soldiers fighting to defend their fellow citizens and where they live from violence and oppression. 
  • All Russians fighting in any way to oppose the war.  

Newham NEU commits to: 

  • Donate £200 to Ukraine Solidarity 
  • Send a message of solidarity to the Ukrainian people via Ukraine Solidarity 
  • Work with NEU districts and members to provide practical support and solidarity to the Ukrainian Education and trade union sectors