The European/International Network of Solidarity with Ukraine and its Opening towards Latin America

The question of transforming the European Solidarity Network with Ukraine (RESU) into an international network is being raised within RESU. This means officially recognizing that it is not just European, as it has already expanded to include some individuals or groups from the Americas. There seems to be no need for debate, at least not initially.

The Union Syndicale Solidaires believes that if comrades from other continents have not found it necessary since 2022 to create continental solidarity networks with Ukraine and prefer to join an international network, it should simply be acknowledged.

However, this is an opportunity to draw attention to the motivations behind this proposal, more than four years after RESU was created. This proposition follows the international anti-fascist conference held in Porto Alegre at the end of March. As previously stated within the French committee of RESU from January 2026:

Union Syndicale Solidaires did not participate in this international anti-fascist conference for two essential reasons:

– Firstly, because it was convened by the PT, the PCdoB, and the PSOL. The fact that party organizations participating and/or supporting the Lula government called for this initiative did not generate enthusiasm, especially since there was no mention of the responsibility of left-wing governments in the rise of the extreme right in the eleven scheduled conferences. – Secondly, with regards to RESU, because in terms of war, imperialism, and resistance of peoples, Ukraine and Russia were never mentioned in the conference call or the eleven scheduled conferences. Therefore, this initiative was perceived to have no relation to solidarity with the Ukrainian resistance.

The emphasis on the presence of representatives from a French organization known for its lack of support for the Ukrainian resistance did not create any regrets about non-participation.

The French committee of RESU and RESU as a whole have explained on several occasions since 2022 the common work being carried out through the international trade union network of solidarity and struggles with comrades from the Central sindical e popular Conlutas.

Since 2022, these comrades have participated in three trade union convoys to Ukraine, providing financial and material support. The CSP Conlutas organized a campaign for water launched by the KVPU union of miners in Kryvyi Rih.

The CSP Conlutas in Brazil organized the campaign for the release of two social movement militants, Denys Matsola and Vladyslav Zhuravlev, who were taken prisoner at the beginning of the large-scale aggression in 2022 in Marioupol.

The CSP-Conlutas has regularly participated in the monthly demonstrations of the Ukrainian community in Sao Paulo since the beginning of the large-scale Russian aggression in 2022.

Comrades from the CSP Conlutas have carried out various local activities, including conferences at university events, debates within trade unions and the popular movement, as well as online activities with activists in Ukraine.

In summary, it has been known since 2022 that there are non-campist forces in Latin America, particularly in Brazil, that have been active for four years. It would be advisable to prioritize cooperation with these forces to enhance effectiveness in building internationalist solidarity with the Ukrainian resistance.

The recent article by Alfons Bech, union coordinator of ENSU, has also highlighted opportunities for future collaborative efforts. The article emphasizes the possibility of collective action against imperialism and fascism, including the potential organization of an anti-fascist conference in Europe.

In conclusion, the focus should shift towards direct actions of solidarity on a national, local, or sectoral level, including organizing specific campaigns or events to raise awareness about the Ukrainian resistance and supporting other collective initiatives.

Union Syndicale Solidaires, April 18, 2026