Appeal to the International Community from Vlada Spivak 

I, Vlada Spivak, is appealing to you to support me in my fight against political 
persecution, corruption and systematic injustice that prevails in Poltava, for 
which, I have suffered as an opposition civic activist and defender of citizens' 
rights. 

I have become a target of political pressure because I have openly stood against 
the corrupt local elites and schemes that undermine the interests of ordinary 
citizens. Moreover, I am one of the few women in this region whom actively fights 
corruption and defends justice. My work is aimed at protecting people's rights, 
especially women, whom often become the most vulnerable under economic and 
political pressure. 

However, my opposition views and active civic involvement have made me a 
target of political persecution. The authorities, seeking to maintain their corrupt 
positions are subjecting me to constant pressure: threats, attempts to dismiss 
me, discrediting and legal attacks. This is a classic case of political persecution 
against an activist who has become a symbol of resistance against a corrupt 
system. As a woman in the opposition party, I face double discrimination: both for my political beliefs and due to gender inequality. 

 
Fighting corruption is a significant part of my work but equally important is the 
defense of women's rights in politics and public life. Women in Ukraine whom 
engage in opposition activities are particularly subject to discrimination and 
persecution. Their voices are often silenced or suppressed out of fear of change. 
While men face pressure, women often become victims of more aggressive 
forms of intimidation, including personal attacks, threats and gender-based 
discrimination. 

I urge the international community to pay attention to the following key points: 

 
1. Political persecution of opposition figures: My activism is aimed at 
exposing corrupt schemes and defending the rights of Poltava’s citizens. 
The local authorities have responded to this with political attacks and legal 
persecution, trying to silence me. 

 
2. Gender discrimination: As a woman in the opposition party, I face double 
pressure—because of my political beliefs and due to gender 
discrimination. This is a classic example of gender inequality in political 
activities, in which requires international attention. 

 
3. Fight for transparency and justice: I advocate for honest audits of 
corrupt enterprises, such as: "Teploenergo" and "Vodokanal" for the 
authorities to be accountable to its citizens. However, instead of support, 
I have faced systematic resistance and persecution. 
My fight is not only for justice for ordinary citizens but also for women's rights to 
be heard in the political sphere, to freely express their views and to influence 
the process in their country. 

 
In light of this, I appeal to you with the following requests: 

 
4. Draw attention to my case as an example of political persecution against 
an activist and women whom opposes corruption and injustices. 

 
5. Send inquiries to the Ukrainian authorities, regarding the cessation of the 
pressure and political persecution that I am subjected to. 

6. Support my rights to safe political activity and freedom of speech as an 
opposition woman fighting for the rights of my citizens. 

 
7. Apply international pressure on those involved in corruption and human 
rights violations in Poltava, with the goal of ensuring transparency and 
justice. 

 
I believe that with your support, we can stop this persecution and restore justice 
for all those fighting for a better future for our country. 

 
With respect and hope, 
Vlada Spivak