On the Day of Unity, the Confederation of Free Trade Unions of Ukraine (KVPU) once again emphasizes the importance of solidarity for the sake of peace and calls on the international community to continue and strengthen international diplomatic and economic pressure on the Russian Federation in order to deter it from further aggression, withdraw her troops and weapons from the territory of Ukraine, and fully restore Ukraine’s territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.

When at least 130,000 Russian troops are stationed near Ukraine’s borders and there is a threat of escalating large-scale international military conflict on the European continent, KVPU members and Ukrainian workers are ready to defend their families and their Homeland. We stand for democracy and will not back down from our European choice.  It is our wish to see peace, stability, and development in Ukraine.

In the eight years of Russian aggression, Ukraine has lost tens of thousands of lives, and more than 1.5 million of our citizens have become internally displaced persons. At the same time, the country’s economy was hit by the loss of industrial and infrastructural facilities in the annexed and occupied territories. Nevertheless, the Ukrainian people are continuing to fight for their state, develop its economic potential, uphold social justice and build an independent democratic country.

Unfortunately, the current intensification of Russian military aggression near Ukraine’s borders is another attempt to destabilize the situation in Ukraine and to slow its movement in the European direction. This also has a negative effect on the economic situation, as it significantly reduces investments in the Ukrainian economy, increases inflation, and provokes rising prices for products and goods.

Members of the KVPU express their gratitude to their trade union brothers and sisters from different countries and international partners of our country for their solidarity and support. We deeply highly appreciate the international assistance for Ukraine.

The KVPU calls on the international community to continue and increase international diplomatic and economic pressure on the Russian Federation to deter it from further aggression, withdraw its troops and weapons from the territory of Ukraine, and fully restore Ukraine’s territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. 

The KVPU and its members stand up for decent work, justice, and peace and do believe in the power of solidarity.

In unity is our strength!

17 February 2022