A PROTEST outside the US consulate saw hundreds condemning the American president’s reversal of aid to Ukraine and his treatment of their president Volodymyr Zelensky.
The “emergency demo” was hosted last night by the Ukraine Solidarity Campaign Scotland (USCS) who work towards solidarity with Ukraine among trade unionists, political parties, and social movements.
Protesters gathered waving flags and banners and chanting “your silence is violence, arm Ukraine now”.
Though the rally saw large crowds of support, the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB) stated yesterday that they would not be present as demonstrations of this kind are not part of Ukrainian government strategy.
Yesterday, an emergency demo was called by the USCS with the tagline “Stop Putin – Stop Trump, Ukraine’s not for sale”.
They stated on social media: “Now the US has ceased intelligence sharing with Ukraine – and banned others like UK from doing this indirectly.
“All welcome at our demo tonight to make our anger loud and clear. Ukraine must not be sacrificed for the sake of Trump/Putin alliance against China.”
Last week, Donald Trump publicly clashed with President Zelensky in a tense White House discussion as he told him: “You’re not winning this.
“You have a damn good chance of coming out okay because of us.”
Following the dispute, Trump paused US military aid to Ukraine and has now ceased sharing information with Kyiv, forcing Zelensky to send correspondence discussing a peace deal.
Protesters united yesterday to hear speakers urging the US to reconsider pausing military aid to Ukraine.
The AUGB, who promote and support Ukrainian culture in Edinburgh, stated that while they support the cause, they will not be attending any demonstrations due to guidance by the Ukrainian government.
They said: “AUGB continues to work with all partners, locally, nationally and internationally, to support the long-lasting peace in Ukraine that our community continues to pray for.
“We understand the strength of feeling throughout the community here in Scotland, and wider afield, following geopolitical events last week which has sparked the organisation of demonstrations and protests at sites of interest across the UK over the next few days.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the Ukrainian government’s priority strategy is not to hold demonstrations in front of the United States embassies and consulates.
“We call on everyone to support this position in this extremely difficult time for Ukraine.
“For this reason, AUGB representatives will not be present at organised events but we will be using our position and relationships to continue to engage diplomatically and politically to advance Ukraine’s cause.”
The USCS responded to this, saying: “We understand your position whilst disagreeing – and look forward to welcoming those individuals who want their voices to be heard at our protest tonight 6pm US Consulate Edinburgh.”
The AUGB replied: “Just to confirm, the position has been decided in partnership with the Ministry for Foreign Affairs so the diaspora organisations don’t negatively impact the negotiation position of the Ukrainian authorities.”
The rally was also attended by author and journalist Jen Stout, Green MSP Ross Greer, and members of PCS Union and the Lothian Health branch of Unison Scotland.