Joint Statement on the Situation in Ukraine

The Swedish Trade Union Confederation (LO), the Swedish Confederation of Professional Employees (TCO) and the Swedish Confederation of Professional Associations (Saco), the Swedish trade union movement, strongly condemn the invasion of Ukraine. Russia is now starting a war in violation of the UN and the legal principles of the international community.

The unilateral demands of the Russian Government concerning other countries’ security policy choices, including Sweden’s, are totally unacceptable.

Russia’s actions mean that the Russian Government does not respect the independence and democracy of Sweden and other countries in Europe.

We are also strongly critical of the Russian Government’s repression and persecution of opposition figures and groups, including trade unionists in Russia, but also in Ukraine and Belarus.

We hold Russia solely responsible for the devastation and suffering that the Ukrainian people will now have to bear.

LO, TCO and Saco demand:

1. LO, TCO and Saco demand an immediate halt to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.
2. The conflict must be resolved at the negotiating table and via diplomacy.
3. Return to and respect the Minsk Agreement.

It is also important now that all democratic actors help to stop the disinformation that is now being spread by the Russian regime, as well as to actively help convey an accurate picture of the invasion and abuses that are currently taking place.

Stockholm, 1 March 2022

Susanna Gideonsson, President LO

Therese Svanström, President TCO

Göran Arrius, President Saco