Version imprimableThe trade union confederation states that “this is a historic event for the independent Ukrainian trade union movement and the veterans’ movement, as it opens up new prospects for the systematic protection of the rights of military personnel, veterans, combatants and their families.”
According to the union, “in the current context of large-scale war and a difficult post-war period, the social protection of Ukraine’s defenders is of strategic importance. The unification of independent trade union structures and veterans’ organisations constitutes an essential step towards establishing a strong civil platform capable of effectively defending the rights of those who have fought in defence of Ukraine.”
During a meeting, discussions focused on the development of joint programmes to support veterans and the families of Ukraine’s fallen defenders, as well as on the legal and social protection of military personnel.
The President of the KVPU, Mykhailo Volynets, emphasised that the accession of the All-Ukrainian Union of Combatants, Military Personnel and Veterans demonstrates the strengthening of Ukrainian society’s solidarity with the military and veterans. He also stressed that modern veterans’ movements and trade unions must be independent, strong and capable of genuinely influencing state policies on social protection and respect for workers’ rights. Veterans and military personnel must not only enjoy society’s respect, but also have effective mechanisms to influence state policy and defend their civil rights.
The creation of this trade union for serving and former military personnel is of considerable importance, particularly because it has emerged from the ranks of the labour movement. Once again, from the ranks of the Ukrainian army, the banner of democracy within the armed forces is being raised, inseparable from the struggle against Russian fascism.
8 June 2026
