Unequivocal support for people of Ukraine becomes official

Introducing the motion to approve the policy letter, chief minister Deputy Peter Ferbrache compared the actions of the Russian leader to ‘another monster and war criminal’ who instigated the occupation of the Channel Islands during the Second World War.

He quoted estimates that some 10m. Ukrainians had been displaced.

He told the States that he wanted and fully expected comprehensive support of the condemnatory resolution to be recorded, and said any absent members should make public their support in due course.

‘Let the voice of this small group of islands be heard loud and clear,’ he said.

Summarising Guernsey’s actions of support thus far, he said 12 Ukrainians had now been able to come to the island to join six families already based in the Bailiwick and confirmed that more than 200 households had indicated a willingness to accommodate refugees.

He also affirmed the island’s determination to remain ‘in lockstep’ with the UK in its foreign policy, in enforcing economic sanctions and in imposing travel restrictions on named individuals and companies with links to Russia.

Divestment of approximately 0.19% of £3bn worth of indirect Russian investments was under way, he said.

‘Ukrainian David is blooding Russian Goliath’s nose every single day,’ he said, but the people of Ukraine would require ongoing help.

Deputy Ferbrache was applauded by States members at the conclusion of his opening speech.

During subsequent discussion of the States’ response to the invasion, the only words of consternation came from Deputy Andrew Taylor, who said that he would be supporting the proposal but was nevertheless concerned that other conflicts around the world had not been similarly condemned.

Deputy Ferbrache interjected to ask him to reconsider, but Deputy Taylor reiterated his view as his honestly-held opinion and said he did not in any way condone Putin’s actions.

Several speakers voiced their determination that a clear distinction be made between the Russian leadership and Russian people, who should not be deemed culpable for the actions of their president.

Earlier in the debate, Deputy Neil Inder, whose wife is from Ukraine, thanked all islanders who had chosen to fly the Ukraine flag.

He described how his mother-in-law had made an 11-day journey from Odessa, on the Black Sea coast of Ukraine, to Guernsey, arriving on Mothering Sunday.

‘When we took her from the airport, she couldn’t quite understand why so many Ukrainian flags were flying over Guernsey,’ he said.

‘So I will thank all of the people of Guernsey, particularly those we don’t hear so much about – the Polish groups and Latvian groups who have raised so much money and so much effort to ensure that funds, food, clothes, and aid has gone to eastern Europe.’

He ended his speech with a pro-Ukrainian saying, ‘slava Ukraini’, meaning ‘glory to Ukraine’.

The proposal to condemn the Russian Federation and support Ukraine and its people was carried by 37 votes to none, with Deputies Andrea Dudley-Owen and Sasha Kazantseva-Miller absent.

All other proposals included in amendments from Deputy Gavin St Pier were passed, except for one to extend the work undertaken by States committees to respond to the Ukraine situation to cover other situations where people might be seeking refuge or asylum.