Manifest for the Demonstration on Ukraine’s Independence Day

Dear supporters of freedom and democracy,
Dear friends of Ukraine,

On August 24th, Ukraine’s Independence Day, we organize a demo not only to celebrate Ukraine’s freedom and sovereignty but also to express our deep concern about the current political and social developments in Germany. While people in Ukraine risk their lives for independence and the protection of democratic values, we witness developments here in Germany that are not only troubling but also dangerous.

The recent proposals from the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Chancellor’s Office to freeze urgently needed military aid for Ukraine and instead rely on russian assets send a fatal signal. These funds are neither available nor is it clear when and to what extent they could be used. Instead of actively supporting Ukraine, this decision conveys indecision and naivety. For russia, this is a sign that Germany is not ready to take decisive action against russian aggression. Such signals exacerbate the situation and make us appear weak in the eyes of the aggressor.

Equally concerning is the growing spread of misinformation and russian propaganda by parties like the BSW and the AfD, which are gaining increasing popularity. These parties use disinformation to divide society and weaken resistance against russia. We also see that far-right groups in Germany are becoming more visible and striking with violence, while russian agents continue their activities unchecked because they are not taken seriously enough. These developments pose a serious threat to our democracy and our shared security.

It is obvious that the responsibility is not being adequately assumed, and the threat from russia and its accomplices is being underestimated. We can no longer run away from this and pretend it is different. Appeasement is not the turning point we need. We cannot again claim we didn’t know what was happening—as was the case during World War II. This time, we know exactly what is at stake, and it is our duty to take responsibility.

Whether consciously or unconsciously, by passive behavior, we are sabotaging international solidarity and enabling russia to continue its aggression. We must act now to prevent this.

Our demands are, therefore, clear:

• Comprehensive military aid until Ukraine wins: 

Germany must continue to support Ukraine sustainably with all necessary means. This includes the delivery of modern weapon systems such as missile defense systems and Taurus cruise missiles, which are crucial for the defense of Ukrainian independence. Furthermore, we demand that Ukraine be granted the right to strike russia as far as necessary for its defense and victory. There must be no artificial restrictions that limit the effectiveness of the Ukrainian armed forces.

• End of oil and gas exports from russia: 

russia’s “shadow fleet” of old and uninsured oil tankers not only poses an enormous environmental risk but also allows russia to continue its oil exports despite price caps. Despite sanctions, the EU continues to import russian gas, including LNG. These imports must be stopped immediately.

• Stopping the financing of the russian war by foreign companies: 

Over 1,000 companies headquartered in G7 countries continue to do business in russia and pay taxes to the Kremlin. These companies must no longer evade their responsibility with flimsy excuses. Their funds finance russian war machinery and must be stopped.

• Halting the import of high-priority goods: 

russia continues to import sanctioned dual-use goods and advanced technologies that are found on the battlefield in Ukraine or deemed critical for russia’s military. These imports must be effectively halted.

• Return of deported children: 

Thousands of Ukrainian children have been forcibly deported to russia. We demand their immediate return. This is a clear violation of international law and an unbearable violation of human rights.

• Release of Ukrainian civilian and military prisoners: 

Germany must provide more resources to secure the release of Ukrainian civilians and prisoners of war from russian captivity and increase pressure on its allies.

On Independence Day, we send a clear message: We will not remain silent. We will not stand by and watch as Ukraine’s freedom and independence are jeopardized. We demand decisive action—here and now. Together, we can help Ukraine win this war and ensure that freedom and democracy prevail.

Slava Ukraini!