From Ukraine to Palestine, occupation is a crime

Below we reproduce a Press Release from the European Network for Solidarity with Ukraine, reporting that two Ukrainian activists are part of the Global Sumud Flotilla sailing to Gaza. Socialism and Freedom – SOL integrates XESU in Catalonia.

Ukrainians join Sumud Global Flotilla mission to Gaza

Ukrainian volunteers of the Sumud Flotilla Global Mission to Gaza say their participation is a call for humanitarian access, to international responsibility and solidarity against occupation

25 April 2026—Two representatives of human rights activism in Ukraine today announced their participation in the international civilian mission to Gaza, joining volunteers from around the world in their effort to deliver humanitarian aid and challenge the Israeli naval blockade of Gaza.

In his video message addressed to those who support Ukraine, Ukrainian team says it is heading to Gaza as part of broader volunteer movement, doctors, teachers and human rights activists who are responding to what they describe as a total humanitarian catastrophe. The group claims that the blockade has deprived the civilian population of essential goods, including food and medicine, and that urgent international action is needed to ensure safe humanitarian access.

«Our trip has nothing to do with geopolitics», says Nina Potarska in the video. "We are here to remind the world that international law and human rights are universal principles".

As representatives of a country that continues to resist the Russian invasion, Ukrainian representatives say they cannot remain silent in the face of Palestinian suffering. «As Ukrainians – representatives of a nation that resists aggression and occupation – we cannot remain on the sidelines. We cannot leave the Palestinian people alone., señala Andrii Movchan.

Nina Potarska adds: «As a researcher on war and survival, I see in Gaza not an abstract crisis, but a repeating pattern: when the civilian population is deprived of food, water and care, everyday life collapses. UN data shows hundreds of thousands of people face severe food insecurity. Like Ukrainians, We understand how the occupation affects civilian life—through control of infrastructure, mobility and access to basic needs—. This is not just a humanitarian emergency, but of a failure to protect the civilian population, that demands political responsibility".

Ukrainians say their participation in the flotilla is based on solidarity with civilians living under siege and the conviction that opposition to the occupation, annexation and violations of international law must be applied consistently everywhere.

The Ukrainian team appeals to the media, civil society organizations, elected officials and Ukrainian supporters around the world to pay attention to Gaza and uphold the principle that international law must apply to all peoples.

«From Ukraine to Palestine, "occupation is a crime", concludes video statement.

The Sumud Global Fleet, of a broader nature, describes his mission of the spring of 2026 as a civilian-led international initiative formed in response to calls from Palestinians in Gaza. According to the organization, The mission brings together participants from more than 70 countries and includes humanitarian volunteers, doctors and dedicated to reconstruction.

Information about the participants

Nina Potarska She is a Ukrainian sociologist, researcher in feminist political economy and director of the Center for Social and Labor Research (CSLR), as well as a member of the Global Alliance of Women for Security Leadership (WASL). She worked for almost a decade with the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF), contributing to the construction of feminist peace, policy advocacy and international dialogue initiatives.

Andrii Movchan He is a leftist activist, Ukrainian journalist and publicist, member of the European Solidarity Network with Ukraine and the main Spanish union, the General Union of Workers (UGT), who works and resides in Barcelona.

Iberian Solidarity Network with Ukraine-RISU

European Solidarity Network with Ukraine – European Solidarity Network with Ukraine – European Network for Solidarity with Ukraine– European Solidarity Network with Ukraine– European Network for Solidarity with Ukraine.