No time to lose to provide military support to Ukraine, say MEPs

Ahead of the plenary vote on the Ukraine Support Loan a delegation of the Committee on Security and Defence visited Kyiv to assess the situation on the ground.

The five-member delegation of the Committee on Security and Defence (SEDE) travelled to Kyiv on 5 and 6 February, led by the Chair Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann (Renew Europe, Germany).

They met with high-level representatives of the Ukrainian government, including the Office of the President of Ukraine, senior leaders of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, as well as civil society and the defence industry. During the visit members of the Committee on Security and Defence expressed a strong message of solidarity and unwavering support to Ukraine and its citizens in the face of Russia’s unjust and illegal war of aggression.

Approaching the 4 year-mark in Russia's full-scale war of aggression, MEPs witnessed first hand that Ukraine stands brave and defiant in the face of Russia’s war economy and illegal acts which include killing civilians, kidnapping children and terrorising the population with attacks on energy and infrastructure. MEPs could see little evidence of a ceasefire with air-raids sirens throughout their visit and continued attacks on civilian infrastructure. Although visiting for two-days, MEPs could see the reality of the impact of these attacks in freezing winter conditions which left thousands without heating and electricity, creating severe humanitarian suffering.

They heard appreciation for the support from the EU, including Ukrainian interest in participating in the new defence initiatives, namely the European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP) and the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) instrument. On the eve of the EP Plenary vote on the Ukraine Support Loan package, which includes a dedicated 60 billion euros for Ukraine's urgent defence needs, they heard the gratitude of the Ukrainian government and industry for the expected support. MEPs reassured their counterparts that the European Parliament is using all of its legislative and budgetary powers to strengthen European defence, provide military support to Ukraine and to integrate Ukraine’s industry into the European defence industrial base. They stressed their political commitment will not stop, even after 4 years of this terrible illegal war, the European Parliament will stand with Ukraine and ensure it can achieve peace through strength.

MEPs also visited the Common Security and Defence Policy EU Advisory Mission (EUAM) and were briefed on its important practical role in assisting Ukraine in its EU membership process in the area of civilian security sector and on the rule of law roadmap. They welcomed this visible and active role, noting that even during this devastating war, the EU is working together with Ukraine to prepare for membership.

The visit took place as peace talks were underway in Abu Dhabi. MEPs expressed hope that the talks would lead to a just and sustainable ceasefire and an end to Russia’s war of aggression.

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The Chair of SEDE committee Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann clarified that: "Whilst we welcome progress in peace talks, in Kyiv we have seen the reality that Russia continues to fire missiles at civilian infrastructure, killing civilians and leaving thousands freezing and without heating or electricity in sub-zero temperatures. We cannot just “hope” for peace, we must act now and ensure Ukraine is in a position to achieve peace through strength. There can be no security in Europe without security in Ukraine. Ukrainians are showing all of Europe and the world their courage in the face of such atrocities. They are not only defending their homeland but all of Europe. Our citizens recognise this and are asking Europe to do more. Brave Ukrainian citizens have shown Europe the way and bought us precious years. Now we must do our part, EU citizens call for support to Ukraine and to strengthen European defence. We have listened and will go back to our countries and continue our work. Enough is enough, we must stand up to bullies and aggressors and defend our values and democracies together."

The Delegation was composed by the SEDE Chair Marie-Agnes STRACK-ZIMMERMANN (RENEW, Germany), Wouter BEKE (EPP, Belgium), Tobias CREMER (S&D, Germany), Sven MIKSER (S&D, Estonia) and Pierre-Romain THIONNET (PfE, France).