—
Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 24-25 March 2022: including the latest developments of the war against Ukraine and the EU sanctions against Russia and their implementation (debate)
Putin’s brutal invasion of Ukraine requires a strong and united EU position. The debate in plenary is accompanied by the adoption of a joint resolution. Although I strongly disagree with certain points of the joint resolution, notably those on the continuation and strengthening of arms deliveries to Ukraine and the general exclusion of the promotion of Russian culture at events, I co-signed the joint resolution because I believe that there should be an unequivocal message condemning the Russian invasion. Because, at this time, a strong, united message is needed for an immediate ceasefire and for a complete end to all of Russia's aggressive military operations in Ukraine, which, however, must be carried out without the use of military means. The joint resolution rightly supports the establishment of safe passages and humanitarian corridors for the evacuation of civilians, the strengthening of EU humanitarian aid networks in Ukraine, the investigation of alleged crimes against humanity and war crimes, the imposition of severe sanctions on Russian oligarchs associated with Putin’s regime, compensatory measures and alternative supplies of goods and energy sources in order to reduce the negative impact on citizens, as well as effective measures against unacceptable speculation, having, inter alia, drawn lessons from measures to address the pandemic.