On behalf of the World Liberty Congress, we call on the governments taking part in Ukraine Defense Contact Group, also known as the “Ramstein Group meeting” on January 20, 2023, to increase security assistance to Ukraine and ensure that Ukrainians have the weapons they need to
protect their civilian population and repel the Russian aggressor. Nothing should be off the table.
The World Liberty Congress represents the largest gathering of dissidents in the world: from over 40 countries. We have all risked our lives for the freedom that people in the West all too often take for granted. We understand, at a visceral level, what it is that the Ukrainians are fighting for. They are fighting to join you – the Free World. They are fighting for the right to define their own fate. And for the Free World to be worthy of the hope it inspires in so many of us who suffer under the yoke of oppression, it must answer the call and come to the aid of those fighting on the frontlines of freedom.
We are approaching one year of Russia’s genocidal war of aggression against Ukraine. Russia has killed thousands of peaceful Ukrainians, forcefully deported thousands more to Russia, and left over 15 million Ukrainians as either refugees or internally displaced. Dozens of Ukrainian cities and settlements have been reduced to rubble. Russia is committing human rights violations
and war crimes on a level not seen in 70 years.
Take it from us – those who know what it’s like to live under dictators – Putin will never stop.
He must be stopped. The people of Ukraine understand this fact and have already shown incredible courage, resilience, and ingenuity in defense of their sovereignty. They also showed the whole world that a liberal democracy can stand and fight against a ruthless dictatorship. In order to preserve democratic values around the world, it is our task to help Ukraine win this war
as soon as possible.
With no more hesitation, we urge you to send Ukraine all the assets and military equipment they need to successfully repel Russians from their country and liberate their people from the horrors of occupation. There should be no taboos or restrictions on what equipment can be delivered to Ukraine – no false dichotomies between “offensive” and “defensive” weapons. If it’s being used on Ukrainian territory, by definition, it is a “defensive” weapon. Ukrainians already have the edge in morale, strategy and tactics over Russia; we ask that you give them technical superiority over Russian forces as well.
We understand that one of the most contested issues is the provision of main battle tanks to Ukraine. The Ramstein Group Meeting this week is the perfect venue to resolve this issue once and for all. Supplying Ukraine with tanks will become a turning point in the war and ultimately help ensure global stability in the face of Putin’s threats.
We call on all governments participating in the Ramstein Group Meeting to show solidarity with the people of Ukraine as they fight for freedom everywhere. Ukraine’s victory will be the single greatest victory for liberal democracy since the fall of the Iron Curtain.
Sincerely,
The World Liberty Congress Leadership Council
Oleksandra Matviichuk (Ukraine)
Garry Kasparov (Russia)
Masih Alinejad (Iran)
Joey Siu (Hong Kong)
Wai Hnin Pwint Thon (Burma)
Wu’er Kaixi (China)
Chemi Lhamo (Tibet)
Nury Turkel (East Turkistan/Xinjiang)
Sunny Cheung (Hong Kong)
Theary Seng (Cambodia)
Mardi Seng (Cambodia)
Felix Agbor Nkongho Balla (Cameroon)
Maximilienne Ngo Mbe (Cameroon)
Gladys Hlatywayo (Zimbabwe)
Beni Carbone (Democratic Republic of Congo)
Carine Kanimba (Rwanda)
Diing Deng Mou Aguer (South Sudan)
Peter Biar Ajak (South Sudan)
Evan Mawarire (Zimbabwe)
Succes Masra (Chad)
Andréi Sánnikov (Belarus)
Ivan Tyutrin (Russia)
Jhanisse Vaca-Daza (Bolivia)
Carolina Barrero (Cuba)
Leopoldo López (Venezuela)
Rosalia Miller (Nicaragua)
Faisal Al-Mutar (Iraq)
Fadi Elsalameen (Palestine)
Sardar Pashaei (Iran)
Roya Mahboob (Afghanistan)
Ammar Abdulhamid (Syria)
Videos from the Congress: Opening Ceremony and Closing Ceremony
