Two years of Russia’s war of aggression: The EU must and can do better to support Ukraine’s victory

Since Russia's unprovoked full-scale invasion of Ukraine started two years ago, the Renew Europe Group in the European Parliament has continuously pushed for more ambitious actions and decisions at EU level to support the Ukrainian people in their fight for freedom. Our constant calls for bolder sanctions against Putin and his cronies, more military and financial support for Kyiv and a comprehensive strategy to strengthen our defence capabilities and industries put pressure on the Member States, but what the EU managed to achieve so far is not enough.

In a resolution to be voted during next week’s plenary session, Renew Europe calls on the EU and its Member States to increase production, joint procurement and delivery of weapons and ammunitions to Ukraine, including air defence, while denouncing Hungary’s refusal to unlock the eight tranche of military aid through the European Peace Facility.

The establishment of a special tribunal to secure full accountability for Russia’s crimes, especially the crime of aggression, war crimes and crimes against humanity is essential, likewise is for Member States to find legal solutions enabling the confiscation of frozen Russian assets and to use them for the reconstruction of Ukraine. Renew Europe Members are also actively engaged in actions to bring forcibly deported Ukrainians, particularly children who have been illegaly adopted, and civilian hostages back to Ukraine.

Renew Europe remains committed to Ukraine’s EU membership, through a merit-based accession process and condemns Russia’s intention to illegally conduct presidential elections on occupied territories of Ukraine on 15-17 March, underlining that the European Parliament will not recognise the results.

Renew Europe MEP, Petras Auštrevičius (Lithuanian Liberal Movement), shadow rapporteur on Ukraine, said:

“The war of agression in Ukraine is a fight for freedom and a safe Europe for us all. Yesterday I received news of a Lithuanian volunteer who died on the battlefield alongside other Ukrainian defenders. We mourn these unnecessary losses and pledge to keep working for Ukraine's victory. Slava Ukraini!”