We are delighted to share this statement issued on 21 January 2026 by eight French union federations, representing the vast majority of trade unionists in France. We will be encouraging UK unions – which have overwhelmingly supported Ukraine – to also make a collective declaration of solidarity in the run up to the fourth anniversary of the full-scale invasion on 24 February.

You can download the original statement in French, as a PDF letter with the union logos, here.

Solidarity with the resistance of Ukrainian workers!
Solidarity with the Ukrainian trade unions FPU and KVPU!

The CFDT, CGT, FO, CFE-CGC, CFTC, UNSA, Solidaires and the FSU reaffirm their full and complete solidarity with the workers of Ukraine, as well as with our sister organisations in the FPU and KVPU [Federation of Trade Unions of Ukraine and Confederation of Free Trade Unions of Ukraine, the country’s two main union federations], who are tirelessly pursuing the defence of social rights, democracy and trade union freedoms in conditions of extreme violence and adversity.

As Ukraine faces its harshest winter since 2022, Russia is deploying a strategy of suffering, intimidation and submission against the civilian population. Electricity, heating and water infrastructure is being methodically destroyed, depriving millions of people of access to these essential services. The Ukrainian health system is also being deliberately targeted: the World Health Organisation (WHO) has recorded eleven deadly attacks since the beginning of the year, some directly targeting emergency teams responding to bombed sites.

The use of new-generation ballistic missiles, notably Orechnik hypersonic missiles, marks a new stage in this strategy of terror. By deploying weapons capable of striking at very long range and at very high speed, Russia is posing a direct threat to the security of the entire European continent, increasing the risk of military escalation and further undermining regional stability.

The combination of explosive drones and ballistic missiles causes massive destruction: homes devastated, public services paralysed, and the living conditions of families and workers profoundly altered. It also hinders access to healthcare, education and trade union work, which are essential for maintaining a minimum level of social cohesion in a country ravaged by war.

We strongly reiterate that targeting civilian infrastructure is an act of cruelty and a clear violation of international law.

We salute the courage and determination of Ukrainian trade unionists, who continue their work despite constant danger, precarious conditions and human losses. We stand by them with our fraternal, constant and unwavering support.

We, the undersigned trade union organisations, commit to:

• strengthen our support for the FPU and the KVPU;
• inform and mobilise people about the social consequences of Russian strikes;
• unequivocally condemn Russian aggression and attacks on the civilian population;
• defend peace, freedom and trade union rights everywhere and at all times.

Solidarity with the workers of Ukraine!
Solidarity with the FPU and KVPU!
For peace and social justice!

[Bold text in original]

Leave a comment