MEPs are today debating EU support for a just, sustainable and comprehensive peace in Ukraine. The debate was opened by Polish Minister for European Affairs Adam Szlapka and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, BTA reported.
Von der Leyen began her speech with a retrospective on World War II, against the backdrop of tomorrow's commemorations for the 80th anniversary of the end of the war.
„For half of our continent, this is the beginning of recovery and reconciliation. But for the rest of the continent, liberation from the Nazis did not bring freedom, but was followed by occupation and oppression, the EC President said.
Von der Leyen said that the war in Ukraine would also come to an end, but "the way it ends will define the face of our continent for generations to come."
“A bad deal with Russia could encourage Russia to come back for more. It would be a recipe for more instability and uncertainty,” said von der Leyen, pointing out that a just and lasting peace would usher in a new era of prosperity for Ukraine and help build a new security architecture in Europe.
According to the EC President, the European Union currently has the task of supporting Ukraine in its efforts to counter Putin’s threats and help it start negotiations on its own terms.
“We have all seen how Russia negotiates – they push, they bully and they bury promises under rubble,” said von der Leyen, pointing out that Putin wants to make Ukraine accept the unacceptable.
The European Commission President outlined the EU’s three priorities for weakening Russia – support for Ukraine's defense, a complete renunciation of Russian fossil fuels and acceleration of the process of Ukraine's accession to the EU.
Regarding Ukraine's defense, Von der Leyen pointed out that, against the backdrop of the constant threat to Europe's security from Russia, Ukraine must be strong enough to deter any future attack, as the EU has already provided financial support to Ukraine in the amount of 50 billion euros. She pointed out, however, that Europe must move towards the model of integration of the defense industries of the EU and Ukraine. This is also enshrined in the joint White Paper on European Defense Preparedness by 2030.