Ukraine Solidarity Campaign coordinating with trade unions, NUM, GMB and ASLEF has delivered a vehicle and medical equipment to mineworkers in Ukraine. 

This is part of an ongoing effort to raise finances for aid to the mineworkers trade unions in Ukraine whose members are engaged in resisting the invasion.

The supplies, including a heavy 4×4 pickup vehicle were delivered to the local Battalion of the territorial defence in Donbas, in East Ukraine.  

This is the first of several planned deliveries by UK trade unions. 

The unit, which is largely staffed by miners, put out a call for funds, medical supplies, and vehicles last month via the Ukrainian miners’ union PRUP.  

Unions, including GMB, NUM and ASLEF responded with donations totalling more than £20,000. 

The pickup, a Mitsubishi L200 was driven to Lviv, Ukraine, by Wayne Thomas [NUM Vice President and Area Secretary for the South Wales NUM] and Mick Antoniw MS, [Labour Member of the Welsh Senedd for Pontypridd], who is of Ukrainian descent. 

They were met by Sergey Yunak, head of the PRUP miners’ union and Andriy Denysov, a Battalion Commander. 

In addition to the vehicle, the team took vital medical equipment, including tourniquets, chest seals and blood clotting agents used to treat casualties, plus two CPR training kits, torches, and vital spares for the vehicle. 

We have the received the following message from PRUP in Pavlograd in Donbas:

On behalf of a huge group of PRUP mineworkers and our defenders let me express our great appreciation for your support in these difficult times for our country.  

Many thanks for your gift as a reminder of our strong friendship and close cooperation. We do not give up. Glory to Ukraine!

With kind regards and best wishes,

Sergey Yunak

PRUP President

PRESS RELEASE ISSUED BY UKRAINE SOLIDARITY CAMPAIGN

BRITISH TRADE UNIONS DONATE VEHICLE AND MEDICAL EQUIPMENT TO UKRAINIAN COUNTERPARTS

Representatives of the British Trade Union movement have today delivered a heavy 4×4 pickup vehicle to their counterparts in Ukraine, where it will be used by the XX Battalion of the Territorial Defence, based in Western Ukraine. This is the first of several planned deliveries on behalf of UK trade unions.

The unit, which is largely staffed by miners, put out a call for funds, medical supplies, and vehicles last month via the Ukrainian miners’ union PRUP. 

The National Union of Mineworkers, together with other British unions, including ASLEF and GMB, responded with donations totalling over £20,000 – enough to buy the pickup and additional equipment in the UK.

The pickup, a Mitsubishi L200 was driven to Lviv, Ukraine, by Wayne Thomas [NUM Vice President and Area Secretary for the South Wales NUM] and Mick Antoniw MS, [Labour Member of the Welsh Senedd for Pontypridd], who is of Ukrainian descent.

They were met by Sergey Yunak, head of the PRUP miners’ union and Andriy Denysov, a Battalion Commander.

In addition to the vehicle, the team took vital medical equipment, including tourniquets, chest seals and blood clotting agents used to treat casualties, plus two CPR training kits, torches, and vital spare tyres for the vehicle.

 Wayne Thomas said:

“The NUM is proud to have gathered donations from a range of trade unions in the UK to take to our colleagues in Ukraine with whom we have long-established links. We hope the vehicle and the specialist medical equipment will help save lives”

Barbara Plant, GMB President, said: 

“GMB has strong internationalist values and we are glad we could support the workers convoy to Ukraine. 

“GMB is proud to support Ukrainian workers in their struggle for freedom against Putin’s brutal assault and that’s why it’s essential that UK unions provide both moral and material aid to those on the frontline.”  

Mick Antoniw MS said:

“I am using my holiday time to help deliver this vital equipment to the brave trade unionists who are putting their lives on the line every day to protect their comrades, families and freedom against Russian fascism.”

Mick Whelan General Secretary of ASLEF said

“ ASLEF is proud to be supporting workers in the Ukraine at this most difficult and dangerous of times as they strive to protect their independence and freedom.”


Sergey Yunak, head of the PRUP Miners’ Union said:

“Ukrainian miners and trade unionists are grateful to the solidarity from British trade unions as our members lay down their lives to defend our country and freedoms.”

Andriy Denysov, Battalion Commander said:

“I want to thank British workers for their support and donations of much-needed material aid which will help Ukraine defeat Russian fascism.”