ETUC: Russian troops leave Ukraine! EU increase pressure on Putin!

Within days of Putin’s unacceptable military attack on Ukraine, the situation is continuously deteriorating with devastation in the country, thousands of victims among civilians and military forces, hundreds of thousands of refugees displaced within Ukrainian territory and crossing the borders to neighbouring countries in precarious and dangerous conditions.

The ETUC reiterates its condemnation of the attack, demands the immediate stop of military operations, Russian troops to leave the country, and dialogue and talks for peace to be started.

The ETUC demands that the European Union institutions and Member States :

• Increase the pressure on Putin and his government through all necessary forms of sanctions, to be specifically targeted on the interests and assets of the Russian leadership and elites, and to be extended also to Belarus for its part in the military aggression on Ukraine.
• Introduce measures of compensation and alternative supply, to reduce negative impacts on the populations of the EU and neighbouring countries, including the continuation of emergency measures used  by the EU to tackle  the COVID-19 outbreak.
• Provide immediate defensive military support, and financial and humanitarian aid to Ukraine and its population.
• Establish humanitarian corridors to allow refugees to leave the country safely and to set up reception  and relocation plans within the EU.
• Ensure security and protection to the borders and the populations of the EU and neighbouring countries which are most  exposed to current and potential Russian military operations.

The ETUC is constantly in touch with Ukrainian trade union colleagues to ensure solidarity and support, and in coordination with its affiliates, the ITUC and PERC is ready to:

• Activate mobilising and lobbying activities at all levels to support ETUC demands and keep the pressure high on EU institutions and national governments.
• Provide financial and humanitarian assistance to the Ukrainian population through the Ukrainian trade unions.
• Help establish humanitarian corridors in support of refugees.
• Support ETUC affiliated trade unions in the countries of the region most exposed to the consequences of the Russian attacks.