5
Oct
2022
Watch
Russia’s escalation of its war of aggression against Ukraine (debate)
Mr President! When Russia attacked Ukraine, many thought it would be a short war. It was not a short war. Now the situation has fundamentally changed. Things are going badly for Russia on the battlefield. Russia never had a quick victory. Ukrainian forces are now pushing Russia back. The Russian army has proven ineffective, and the soldiers appear to be poorly motivated. And now Putin has to summon more soldiers, causing Russians to flee to the West in a very large number. Putin must have in every way overestimated himself, underestimated the Ukrainians and ignored the reaction of the West. The sanctions will not go away again. They're here to stay. I support them and I am ready for much more. Before the war broke out, it was as if many leaders in the West neglected to listen to the Baltics and Poles, who have long warned of Russia's and Putin's intentions. We must not repeat that mistake. It is not possible for leaders in the West to be stuck in long and understanding telephone conversations with Putin, because Russia, as a country, has to learn from the consequences of attacking a peaceful neighbour without motive. Our task must be to make Europe less dependent on Russia while keeping the morale and fighting spirit of the Ukrainians up, so that they can hopefully push the Russians out of the occupied territories. Europe, the West must not give way an inch to Putin. Not now! Never!