The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) expressed shock and dismay at the invasion of Ukraine and its continuing escalation and the dire humanitarian crisis caused.
The ITF remains in close contact with our affiliates in Ukraine and continues to support them as best as possible given the circumstances.
We have just received information from our Ukrainian affiliates about a wave of missile attacks conducted by Russian forces in the early hours of this morning (25/04/2022) on at least five railway stations in the regions of Lviv, Rivne, Vinnytsia and Kyiv.
Precise locations of the attacks are still being reported but include the towns of Krasne which is 70 miles from the border with Poland, and the towns of Zhmerynka and Kazatyn in central Ukraine.
We understand from that the attacks have resulted in at least five deaths, with 15 wounded. At least one railway worker is believed to have been killed, with four more in hospital, two of which are in critical condition.
David Gobé, the Chair of the ITF Railway Section Steering Committee stated: “It is unacceptable that railway workers are subjected to such attacks. There are growing concerns that much needed aid to the devastated towns and civilians in Ukraine will be delayed and increase their suffering. We call for world leaders to take urgent and definitive steps to initiate dialogue and find a peaceful solution to this crisis.”
Noel Coard, the ITF Inland Transport Sections’ Secretary, stated the following: "The actions of the Russian state are indefensible. Railway stations act as lifelines for the Ukrainian people. We condemn these cowardly acts on railway workers and their families and vow to continue to support our Ukrainian affiliates and the people of Ukraine.”
We reiterate our unequivocal solidarity with the Ukrainian people, and we are exploring options to ensure more support can be provided to workers and their families including the provision of humanitarian support.
We will provide further updates in due course.
