Russia launched an attack on Ukraine, on January 9, using drones, cruise missiles, ballistic missiles and a hypersonic weapon, killing and injuring civilians.
The attack, launched from near the border with Poland, targeted Ukraine’s capital Kyiv, constituting “a direct and deliberate threat not only to Ukraine but also to European countries”, said the Confederation of Free Trade Unions of Ukraine (KVPU).
In its media statement, the KVPU reported that dozens of sites were damaged in the attacks, half of them residential buildings. Russian forces carried out a “double-tap” strike on one building while rescue workers and medics were on site. Among those killed was 56-year-old medic and internally displaced person Serhii Smoliak — who devoted his life to saving others.
Lviv, Kyiv, Kirovohrad, and Cherkasy regions, as well as their energy infrastructure, were also targeted, reported the KVPU.
“During this period of winter holidays, for weeks, Russia has been terrorising Ukrainian cities, causing blackouts in major cities such as Dnipro, Zaporizhzhia, Kryvyi Rih, Lviv, as well as entire regions. Odesa region remains under constant attack: people there were without electricity for several days, and ports where our members work are being targeted. In addition, our members who are miners face mortal danger underground due to power outages caused by strikes. Our members — mine rescuers, energy workers, and medics — are saving lives under shelling.
According to the KVPU, Ukrainian cities are without heating with temperatures below minus 10°C to minus 15°C and amid snowstorms. Local authorities are urging Kyiv residents to prepare for a critical situation and to seek opportunities to relocate to relatively more stable areas.
“Russia is deliberately terrorising the civilian population, waiting for the harshest winter conditions, and striking cities across Ukraine, including those close to the borders of Europe,” said the KVPU.
It appealed “to all trade union leaders and to all defenders of human dignity and democracy” to: immediately assist Ukrainian workers; condemn the attacks and the killing of civilians; disseminate information on the situation through trade union and civic networks; support economic, humanitarian and military assistance to Ukraine; campaign to strengthen sanctions against Russia; demand accountability for war crimes; and seek the release of all Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilian hostages, including trade union activists, and the immediate return of all abducted Ukrainian children.