David McAllister MEP on Ukraine

As Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the European Parliament, I led a delegation of Members from several Committees to Kyiv in March (25-26 March) this year. We met with representatives of the government, parliament and civil society to reiterate one clear message: The Russian war of aggression against Ukraine and its consequences will remain a key priority for the European Parliament.

This year, we played a vital role in approving the Ukraine Facility. An instrument of 50 billion Euros – to be complemented also by the proceeds of Russian frozen assets. It gives us maximum flexibility in the annual distribution of loans, grants and guarantees to Ukraine.

This is vital to accommodate the uncertainties of the ongoing war waged by the Russian aggressor.

Despite seeming relentless, Russia is failing on multiple objectives.

The war is primarily a military failure. On 24 February 2022, many feared that Kyiv would fall in just a few days, and the rest of the country within weeks. This did not happen!

Russia’s failure is also economic. Sanctions have decoupled its economy from modern technology and innovation. Russia is now dependent on China. 

And finally, Russia’s failure is also diplomatic. Finland has joined NATO. Sweden will follow soon. And Ukraine is closer than ever on its path to the European Union.

All of this suggests that Ukraine can prevail victorious.

But, we must continue to empower their resistance, especially now that Russia is stepping up its attacks on civilian infrastructure trying to demoralise the Ukrainian people.

We must not lose sight of the sense of urgency! Inaction or hesitation now would entail a much higher financial and political price later on.