NNU stands in solidarity with the Ukrainian people, urges U.S. to demand diplomatic negotiations that respect Ukrainian sovereignty

National Nurses United (NNU), the country’s largest union and professional association of registered nurses, sent a letter yesterday to President Trump urging the United States to “demand a permanent ceasefire, withdrawal of all Russian forces, diplomatic negotiations that respect Ukrainian sovereignty, and just and lasting peace in the country.”

“As nurses and trade unionists, we are committed to upholding democracy in our workplaces and globally, and we stand alongside workers throughout the world in firm opposition to war and militarism, which endanger democracy and threaten the health, safety, and well-being of all workers,” stated the letter. “The violence inflicted by the Russian government will cause deep and lasting harm in both of these respects across generations and borders.”

The letter continues, “Amnesty International has documented direct attacks on hospitals and health care facilities, civilian infrastructure, enforced disappearances, torture, unlawful deprivation of liberty, and forcible transfer and deportation of civilians. …

“As trade unionists, we know the economic harms inflicted by the sanctions have been felt most by working people, strained the global economy, and failed to stop Russia’s war on Ukraine. Additionally, as nurses, we know sanctions can endanger the lives and well-being of patients by preventing access to vital medications as well as medical supplies and equipment.

“War will always be catastrophic, and trade unionists and working people across the world have a shared interest in advocating for peace and national security that is rooted in advancing the well-being of everyone. We stand with the Ukrainian people in their fight for full sovereignty, and, in closing, we reiterate our call for a permanent ceasefire, withdrawal of all Russian forces, and just and lasting peace in the country.”

National Nurses United is the largest and fastest-growing union and professional association of registered nurses in the United States with more than 225,000 members nationwide. NNU affiliates include California Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee, DC Nurses Association, Michigan Nurses Association, Minnesota Nurses Association, and New York State Nurses Association.