EPP Group requests a plenary debate on Russian threat against Ukraine

The EPP Group in the European Parliament requests a parliamentary debate in next week’s plenary session on the current Russian military build-up at the Ukrainian border.

“It is Europe’s collective duty to reaffirm our support for Ukraine and we would like to hear from the Presidents of the European Commission and the European Council on how the European Union intends to do it”, said Sandra Kalniete MEP, Vice-Chairwoman of the EPP Group responsible for foreign affairs.

“Russia has amassed more than 40,000 troops near the Ukrainian border. 26 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed this year alone. The situation is deteriorating and is a serious and growing threat to European stability and security as well as to Ukrainian sovereignty”, Kalniete continued.

“The Russian regime will have to pay the price for its aggression against Ukraine, as well as for the way it is treating Alexei Navalny. We must see the Russian Government for what it is - a threatened, insecure dictatorship that keeps its power through aggression against its neighbours and its political opponents. We have seen this precise scenario played out before. We cannot afford to see it happen again”, Kalniete stressed.

“The EU and the Member States have to start to deliver on their declarations: we must assist Ukraine militarily in terms of strengthening capabilities and also politically. It has to be made clear without any delay by the highest authorities of the European Union. In addition, together with our partners, it is time to grant the NATO Membership Action Plan to Ukraine”, she concluded.