Brave Ukrainians have demonstrated that it is possible to break the back of the aggressor. It is increasingly clear that Ukraine is winning this war. For that we must continue our unity and decisiveness in supporting them. There is no room for hesitation or a step back – to the opposite, we must continue to increase the price for Russia’s aggression. And developments within Russia should not blur our focus in this regard and our resolve.
It is not only battlefield success that will decide the outcome of the war. In addition to continued military aid, we have to show the Kremlin that it cannot outlast Ukraine economically. So, Ukraine’s victory also depends on our ability to dry up the Kremlin’s income to finance its aggression.
There’s a fight for freedom and there’s a fight for justice. Never in history have Russian leaders faced justice for atrocities committed. That is why we keep seeing Russia trying to conquer its neighbours and continuing with the same pattern of violence. And that is why we need to establish an international tribunal for the crime of aggression with the large international legitimacy and with no immunity for Russia’s leaders. These are the parameters I will suggest at the European Council table to other leaders.
The important track of giving Ukraine hope and a clear path to its Euro-Atlantic future is also working – a year ago we provided conditions and I have no doubt Ukraine will work hard to meet them this year and start EU accession talks. As I said in Ukraine, there will be no discount for them, they must fulfill the сonditions 100%, but I'm sure they are able to do that.
We are also committed to the reconstruction of Ukraine which must start now – combined with EU integration and reforms, it can become the perfect boost for Ukraine’s economy. But it is unfair that the taxpayers of democratic countries should pay for the war damage caused by Russia. Ukraine is a victim of Russia’s war and according to international law, must be compensated by Russia. We need a solution that would allow the use of frozen assets, which we have seized with sanctions from Russian citizens and companies, to compensate war damages. My government is the first country in the EU that started work on such a legal draft, but we need a European solution. We hope others will follow and that we'll speedily find a joint approach also within the EU.
The new security reality demands new solutions within the EU. More than a year ago in Versailles, EU leaders agreed to invest more and better in defence capabilities. We need to follow that with concrete actions.
European defence needs a very decisive lift. We need a defence-effective Europe able to provide for transatlantic security. This means adjusting our defence industry to a new security footing.
We in the EU have pulled ourselves together before – pandemic recovery and mitigating the energy crisis are cases in point. Another EU-wide strategic effort is due – this time we really need it for European defence. The security situation will not be better for long, and we should be prepared for that.
Where individual efforts fall short, unity must step forward. The EU needs to continue demonstrating its leadership and geopolitical weight.
Thank you!
