The Confederation of Free Trade Unions of Ukraine (KVPU) has issued an appeal for solidarity actions with Ukraine’s fight against Moscow’s invasion on its second anniversary. The appeal, signed by Mykhailo Volynets, chairperson of the KVPU and of the Independent Trade Union of Miners of Ukraine, expresses gratitude for support Ukrainian workers have received from unionists internationally. Moscow’s aggression, he says, is undermining “stability both in Europe and around the world” as Russian President Vladimir Putin tries to redraw “the map of modern Europe.”
The union appeal calls for support rallies around the world and for media, fundraising and educational campaigns.
Volynets “invites union brothers and sisters” worldwide to come to Ukraine Feb. 22-24 to meet with “KVPU members and witness firsthand how the war has affected our cities and communities.” This is a significant opening for international working-class solidarity to be brought to bear in the fight to defend Ukraine’s independence. Those who go can bring back reports to their unions and others.
The KVPU is an independent union federation that arose alongside the miners union as it led mass strikes and protest marches in 1989 and 1991 when the Soviet Union disintegrated. Its members include unions in mining, rail, airline, schools, health care and other industries who “continue to resist and fight for freedom and peace in our country.”
For two years the Russian aerial bombardment has been “deliberately targeting” civilians in residential and industrial areas of cities, resulting in tens of thousands of casualties. Volynets says over 400 workers have been killed in their workplaces. In addition, many more have given their lives as thousands of unionists have volunteered to defend the sovereignty of their country arms in hand.
The union federation appeal says international solidarity offers a “beacon of hope and resilience for every Ukrainian enduring the horrors of this war.”