Action at Ukrainian Embassy demands: Free Kononovich brothers!

March 8 – Amidst the torrent of anti-Russia war propaganda in the United States, members of the Socialist Unity Party and Youth Against War and Racism went to the Ukrainian Embassy in Washington, D.C., to picket and deliver a letter from people’s organizations demanding the immediate release of Aleksandr Kononovich and Mikhail Kononovich.

The brothers, leaders of the Leninist Communist Youth Union, were detained March 6 by the notorious Security Service of Ukraine (SBU). The action was in response to a call by the World Federation of Democratic Youth (WFDY) to take action to save the lives of the Kononovich brothers.

The letter states:

“To whom it may concern,

“Our organizations have been alerted by the World Federation of Democratic Youth, an organization started in 1945 to unite youth internationally in efforts to fight fascism, and a non- governmental organization that is recognized by and collaborates with the United Nations:

“‘On March 6th, through the Security Service of Ukraine, the arrest of Aleksandr Kononovich and Mikhail Kononovich was reported. Both are accused, without any basis whatsoever, of alleged collaboration with the secret services of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus. This constitutes a flagrant violation of their human and political rights – a reality that, unfortunately, is not new and has been happening since the fascist coup of 2014, which was supported by the United States, the European Union, and NATO.’

“This is why we want to express our demand for their immediate release. We would also like to express our concern about their state of health. Any harm to the lives of Aleksandr Kononovich and Mikhail Kononovich will be the responsibility of the Government of Ukraine.

“We hope that our demand will be met as soon as possible. 

“Sincerely,

Harriet Tubman Center for Social Justice, Los Angeles
Struggle La Lucha for Socialism, nationwide locations
Socialist Unity Party, nationwide locations
Peoples Power Assembly, Baltimore
Youth Against War & Racism, Baltimore”

Readers are urged to call the Ukrainian Embassy or nearest Ukrainian Consulate to demand the immediate release of the Kononovich brothers. A sample phone script is provided below.

San Francisco: (415) 398-0240
Washington, DC: (202) 349-2920
Chicago: (312) 642-4388
New York: (212) 371-6965

Hello, my name/organization is __________ from _______________

I have been alerted by the World Federation of Democratic Youth that on March 6, the arrest of Aleksandr Kononovich and Mikhail Kononovich was reported by the Security Service of Ukraine. Both are accused, without any basis whatsoever, of alleged collaboration with the secret services of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus. This constitutes a flagrant violation of their human and political rights. I demand their immediate release. I would also like to express my concern about the state of their health. Any harm to the lives of Aleksandr Kononovich and Mikhail Kononovich will be the responsibility of the Government of Ukraine. I hope this demand will be met as soon as possible. Thank you.