"We are deeply concerned at what is happening in Ukraine, with violent repression of demonstrations further polarising the country. We call on the government to stop the repression immediately, and open a broad and inclusive dialogue about Ukraine’s future," said ITUC General Secretary Sharan Burrow.

Ukraine’s trade union movement has pointed to the damaging role played by the International Monetary Fund, which has been pushing economic and social policy ’reforms’ which are further weakening the economy. The IMF’s demand for freezes in public sector wages, social benefits and pensions, as well as for higher utility costs, are strengthening the position of powerful oligarchs whose dominance over the economy would be threatened by closer ties with Europe.