22 February 2026 marked the fourth anniversary of Russia’s all-out invasion of Ukraine. Ukrainian workers are fighting for both Ukraine’s independence and workers’ rights. Working people in Ukraine want a ceasefire and peace, but know that living under Russian occupation is not living in peace. 

In the Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine, Ukrainians are forced to take Russian passports to access healthcare and pensions and to keep their homes. School teachers have to teach a Russian-controlled syllabus and version of history. War crimes and human rights abuses continue, including torture, rape, executions, and the kidnapping of children.

Ukraine estimates that around 20,000 children have been taken from the occupied territories. Some have been adopted by Russian families; others are being educated in military academies and brought up to be soldiers who will fight against Ukraine. This is a crime against humanity, and any peace settlement must include arrangements for their return.

Ukrainian trade unions are engaged in a struggle against the new Labour Code the government is introducing. The Zelenskyy government is taking neoliberal measures, meaning the burden of the war falls most harshly on working and poor people.

The new Labour Code will introduce additional deregulation and flexibility in the interests of employers, not workers. For instance, protections against dismissal for working mothers would be reduced by 18 months; currently, mothers are protected against dismissal until a child is three.

Ukrainian workers know the importance of independent trade unions. In the Stalinist period, the trade unions were not genuine representatives of the workers. Trade unions in Ukraine are involved in struggles for pay rises, compensation for workers injured in war, and for bereaved families. Ukrainian workers want to see a socially just reconstruction of Ukraine, in which workers have decent jobs and employment rights.

Many trade unions in the UK and internationally have policies supporting Ukraine and its right to independence. The TUC recently issued a solidarity statement.  And many unions in Britain have been involved in providing practical solidarity with Ukraine.

This has included sending vehicles with rescue equipment, medical supplies, and education materials.  If you don’t know what your union is doing, contact Ukraine Solidarity Campaign. 

See more on the Labour Code.