War Must End

The Russian invasion and occupation of Ukraine has taken close to 10,000 lives so far, wounded perhaps 20,000 more people, and devastated Ukrainian communities.

War Attacks Working People

This invasion serves the agenda of a few rich and powerful Russians while ordinary Ukrainians, Russians, and international populations pay the terrible price. War and occupation areisa nightmares for working-class people, including professional soldiers, and war in the modern era is even more so, as c. Cities become battlefields, where civilians are in the line of fire while battle destroys homes, hospitals, schools and other social spaces and support networks.

CUPW Will Never Condone Military Aggression

Our constitution article D-24 is about our opposition to war and militarism. “The Union will continue to work in coalition with others to oppose war and to promote peace, social justice and security for all people…” That means we oppose both the invasion and the NATO expansionist agenda that contributes to the long-building tensions in the region.

The United Nations and the International Labour Organization also call on Russia to end its invasion. https://www.ilo.org/global/about-the-ilo/newsroom/news/WCMS_840263/lang--en/index.htm

The people of Russia and Ukraine deserve safety, peace, and the stability it takes to live and thrive. Even once this conflict ends, it will be the working people of Ukraine, and global supporters, who are left to pick up the pieces.

What Can We Do?

Stand with Ukraine. Russia launched the invasion, and it is Russia who can stop it. Join anti-war protestors in your community who may be picketing the Russian Embassy and consulates. Offer support to Ukrainian refugees. Support the Russian anti-war movement in standing up to Putin.

You can also help rebuild the peace movement in your community – sadly, war is not a thing of the past and must be actively opposed. Numerous conflicts in the world today are creating humanitarian crises – then next two deadliest conflicts so far this year are ongoing in Myanmar and Yemen, killing, wounding, and displacing many thousands of people.

Amnesty International is working to investigate and hold invading forces to account for war crimes. https://amnesty.ca/news/ukraine-russian-forces-must-face-justice-for-war-crimes-in-kyiv-oblast-new-investigation/ - you can donate and write letters in support of these efforts and in opposition to the war.

UNICEF has created an emergency fund to help affected children and families. https://secure.unicef.ca/page/98630/donate/1?ea.tracking.id=22DIEM01HBE

Russia and Ukraine supply a significant portion of the world’s wheat. Learn more about the consequences of this war on global hunger https://www.oxfam.ca/story/4-links-between-the-war-in-ukraine-and-the-horn-of-africa-hunger-crisis/ - and support Oxfam’s efforts to address these connected humanitarian crises.

In solidarity,