A European convoy to keep Ukraine from disappearing

After four and a half years of large-scale war, Ukraine keeps fading from the media and European public debate. But the war and attacks on civilian infrastructure grind on, and millions are already preparing to face the horrors of another winter under Russian fire.

Faced with this “normalisation”, the International Network of Solidarity with Ukraine (INSU, formerly the European Network for Solidarity with Ukraine) has launched the International Solidarity Convoy with Ukraine. The initiative combines aid delivery with building people-to-people awareness and solidarity.

INSU links trade unions, social movements, political representatives and individual activists who defend Ukraine’s national and social rights. Its position is based on the conviction that no coherent internationalism and anti-imperialism can ignore the Kremlin’s aggression and the Ukrainian people's right to defend their sovereignty and future.

INSU advocates for a just and lasting peace for Ukraine, not one imposed on the victims.

Aid, visibility, and cooperation

The convoy has three main goals.

To return Ukraine to the centre of European public debate. The months leading up to the convoy’s departure in late November will feature conferences, film screenings and meetings with representatives of Ukrainian civil society.

To bring humanitarian aid to the communities facing greatest difficulties, especially with the arrival of winter. This aid will be determined jointly with Ukrainian organizations, those best acquainted with people’s needs

To build a stable network of collaboration between European and Ukrainian civil society, creating ties allowing ongoing solidarity initiatives. As well as strengthening cooperation between trade unions and social movements, this effort will include building city-to-city cooperation.

International ground flotilla

The convoy is an international “ground flotilla” made up of vehicles, organizations, volunteers and representatives from different European countries.

It will follow three routes. The southern column will depart from Barcelona and Italy (city still to be decided). The central column will start from Ireland, England and Scotland, and the third, the northern column, from Norway. The different columns will pass through Belgium and Germany (and possibly other countries), before meeting up in Poland and crossing over into Ukraine.

The final routes, aid recipients and the logistical decisions involved will be agreed upon with the Ukrainian side and be adapted to the security situation. The project will stress “last-mile” aid delivery, ensuring traceability from collection point to final beneficiary.

Complementary skills

Two other organisations besides INSU are central to the convoy initiative.

The NOVACT Non-Violence Institute brings expertise in peacebuilding and cooperation with Ukrainian civil society. The Catalan branch of the General Workers Union (UGT) contributes its mobilisation capacity, international trade union experience and close ties with Ukrainian trade unions.

The participation of the Ukrainian community in the countries the convoy will pass through will also be essential.

Progressive solidarity from below

Ukrainian left and progressive movements remain little known in Europe, while in Ukraine itself the left still carries the burden of association with the repression and crimes of the Stalinist era.

However, a democratic, anti-authoritarian Ukrainian left exists, in independent trade unions, feminist organizations, social movements and volunteer networks defending labour, social and democratic rights in the midst of war.

The convoy aims to give visibility to them, listening to and supporting those who resist and keep the country's social fabric alive.

The convoy’s overall message? As long as Ukraine resists, so does our solidarity.

David Acosta is President of the Catalan committee of INSU. You can support the International Solidarity Convoy to Ukraine and volunteer your contribution at solidarityconvoyukraine.com

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