By Martin Banks

Campaigners have called for more effort to “defend democracy” and support a “free, democratic and sovereign Ukraine.”

The demand was made by the Defending Democracy Global Initiative (DDGI) and the Westminster Alliance for Ukraine (WA4U).

It was timed to coincide with the International Day of Democracy.

The Defending Democracy Global Initiative is a transnational, civil society-led platform founded in Skopje in 2024 by CIVIL – Center for Freedom, the New European People’s Forum and Media Dialogue.

It works to defend truth, freedom and democratic resilience against authoritarianism, disinformation and hybrid threats.

Its flagship programme, the Westminster Alliance for Ukraine, brings together parliamentarians and civil society partners to strengthen European cooperation in support of a free, democratic and sovereign Ukraine.

A spokesman told this site, “Democracy depends on people’s ability to speak freely, access reliable information, participate in decisions and hold those in power accountable.

“It requires independent media, active civil society, institutions that protect rights, and space for disagreement without intimidation. These conditions must be defended and strengthened every day.”

The spokesman went on, “Standing with Ukraine is a crucial part of that responsibility.

“Russia’s war of aggression threatens the lives and freedom of Ukrainians and the principle that people have the right to determine their own future. Supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and democratic aspirations is essential to building a safer, more democratic Europe.”

The two groups seek to build on the commitments that brought DDGI into being in 2024, and on the work of its partners and co-founders in solidarity with Ukraine since Russia began its aggression in 2014.

DDGI and WA4U have now used the International Day of Democracy to call on democratic institutions, parliamentarians, civil society, journalists and citizens across Europe “to turn solidarity into sustained action.”

They demand that they support Ukraine, defend independent journalism, challenge disinformation, protect civic participation and “insist on accountable government.”

The spokesman said, “Every voice matters – including those excluded from public debate, those facing threats for speaking out, and those whose communities are living through war.

“Meaningful participation requires that these voices are heard and taken into consideration.

“We invite everyone who shares these commitments to stay connected with our work, take part in future discussions and help strengthen cooperation across borders.”