Reactions in the EU to the Ukraine crisis two years on
The European Parliament has approved a resolution backing Ukraine exactly two years after Russia’s invasion. The text comes after a proposal by Ciudadanos and condemns the killing in La Vila Joiosa of Russian pilot Maksym Kuzminov by sicarios reportedly sent by the Kremlin, according to a Ciudadanos statement.
The resolution includes two amendments from eurodeputy Jordi Cañas, which were adopted alongside the rest of the document. It notes that Kuzminov was murdered on February 13 in La Vila Joiosa, where he had been living after deserting from the Russian army. The Parliament states that he was killed by hitmen allegedly directed by the Russian government, and it adds that in recent decades Russian intelligence services have carried out several covert operations, including assassinations, on EU soil.
EU reaction
The amendments introduced by Cañas also issue a warning about Russian intelligence and its disruptive mode of operation. The text calls on the European Union to respond immediately, strengthen counterintelligence cooperation, and improve information exchange among EU partners, as noted in Ciudadanos’ press release.
The week in Strasbourg featured much discussion of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and Putin’s dictatorship. The plenary heard a moving address from the widow of opposition leader Alexei Navalny, Julia Naválnaya, who warned of the dangers posed by Putin and criticized the effectiveness of measures taken so far against him.
The resolution was adopted by a broad majority, with 451 votes in favor. The European Parliament reaffirmed unwavering solidarity with Ukraine and demanded Russia’s immediate and unconditional withdrawal from the invaded country. It pledged to continue supporting Ukraine until it regains full control of its territory and throughout the reconstruction process.
The Parliament also condemned Russia’s intention to hold presidential elections in occupied Ukrainian territories from March 15 to 17 and stressed that the results of such elections will not be recognized as legitimate. The resolution also urges EU member states to adopt new sanctions against Russia and its allies, notably Belarus.