Let sanctions do their work - Hoofdinhoud
The European Parliament adopted today a resolution on the situation in Ukraine, condemning the Russian unwillingness to implement the Minsk agreement and to guarantee a ceasefire in the Eastern part of the country. Separatist and irregular forces are still involved in acts of terror in Donbas.
ALDE shadow on Ukraine in the Foreign Affairs Committee, Hans van Baalen (VVD, The Netherlands) concluded that Russia has not implemented the Minsk agreement.
"Russia has not prevented irregular or regular troops from crossing the Russian-Ukrainian border in support of the separatist forces. As long as President Putin has not undertaken positive steps on the ground, the economic and political sanctions should not be softened or lifted. The sanctions should, together with low oil and gas prices as well as steps by the EU to become independent of Russian energy, make President Putin aware that his policy of crippling Ukraine is simply too costly. The only way for Putin is to return to legality, which is to respect Ukrainian independence and territorial sovereignty. However, if Putin understands that the only way forward is to implement the Minsk agreement, and if he is prepared to take concrete steps in this direction, the EU is prepared to talk to him.”
ALDE MEP, Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS (Liberal's Movement of Lithuania) condemns the killing of at least 12 civilians by Kremlin-backed insurgent artillery strike, two days ago in the Donetsk region:
“Terror has many faces: one we saw recently in Paris, another one, now in Donetsk. By implementing the Association Agreement with Ukraine, helping them to reform economy and governance, EU widens European solidarity, which is so important for Ukraine. We expect smooth pace of reforms in Ukraine and stand ready to work together for a more stable future.”
The text of the resolution refers to both the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine as well as in Crimea, and stresses the need for further EU financial assistance and proper delivery of humanitarian aid to those affected by the conflict.