Today, the Armed Forces of Ukraine are fighting not only for the independence of our state, but also for a truly free Europe. Therefore, support for our soldiers must be comprehensive – in terms of logistics, joint weapons production, repair of military equipment on the territory of Ukraine, strengthening sanctions against russia, etc.
This was stated by Mariia Mezentseva-Fedorenko, Member of Parliament, Deputy Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Ukraine's Integration with the EU, and Head of the Ukrainian Delegation to the PACE.
«Europe has not just woken up, but, figuratively speaking, is “putting on its armour”. The leaders of European states are aware of the level of threat posed by the russian federation. So, while in Kyiv during Independence Day, the defence ministers of EU member states had the opportunity to see our various defence industries and how we are implementing new technologies. Our President Volodymyr Zelenskyy openly says that it is cheaper and more profitable to support Ukraine today than to fight russia tomorrow,» the politician noted.
According to her, work is continuing on the creation of a special tribunal for the senior leadership of the russian federation for the crime of aggression against Ukraine. In addition, the EU is forming a 19th package of sanctions against russia, and the PACE is preparing another resolution on civilian hostages held by russia.
"With regard to Ukrainian civilians held by the russian federation, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe will vote on an additional resolution proposing amendments to international humanitarian law. A resolution will also be submitted to the UN. The fact is that civilians are not covered by the conventions because they cannot be taken prisoner. However, russia continues to do so, as well as many other war crimes," said the MP.
Meanwhile, Ukraine's defenders are using all available means, exclusively within the limits of international norms, to ensure that as many russians as possible feel the consequences of the war against our state.
«Many russian citizens are currently complaining about petrol shortages in the country. It is important to emphasise that our military is only targeting facilities that serve the russian war machine. These are entirely legitimate targets, as confirmed by the entire world,» the parliamentarian stressed.