Letter: Defeat in Ukraine Would Affect Us Here in the UK

Published on: 13 Mar, 2025
Updated on: 13 Mar, 2025

From Bernard Quoroll

In response to: Dragon Interview – Will Forster MP On His Recent Visit to Ukraine

I have been to Ukraine monitoring elections five times since 2003, the first time in Crimea and most recently in Zaporizhzhia, where fighting is among the fiercest.

I was in Sumy, close to the border, north of Donetsk, when Russia invaded in force and experienced the fear and anxiety of the people I met, passing through checkpoints manned by tense, unprepared young men for whom war is now a daily reality.

I still correspond with a young family living with an elderly relative in a cellar and where the noise of rockets landing can be heard day and night.

All the places I visited now lie under rubble. Every family in Ukraine has lost a family member or close friend. Their resilience is extraordinary and inculpable.

This is not some far-off land which does not affect us in the UK. It is a precursor of things to come, if Russia is not repulsed and contained.

Ukraine has its problems, particularly from corruption but the progression toward a civil society measured in the outcome of elections is visible and we are of course no shining beacon in comparison. After an uncertain start, there is now no doubt that they are European geographically and in spirit.

We ignore their plight at our own peril. Do help if you can.