Adopted by the PES Presidency of 24 February 2022
The PES condemns in the gravest manner Russia’s unprovoked military attack against Ukraine and demands an immediate withdrawal of Russian military forces from Ukraine. Russia must reverse its unlawful recognition of the non-government controlled areas of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine as independent entities and return immediately to the path of diplomacy and peaceful resolutions.
The PES firmly supports Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The PES commends President Zelensky’s calls for de-escalation and a return to dialogue and diplomacy. We equally recognise the efforts to facilitate dialogue conducted by EU High Representative Josep Borrell, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and all European leaders who are tirelessly working on a diplomatic solution.
We will continue to push the EU to mobilise its capacity and resources to support Ukraine in the short- and long-term. On this note, the PES reiterates its support for the emergency macro-financial assistance package of €1.2 billion pledged by European Commission President von der Leyen in January. The EU must support the people of Ukraine, including with humanitarian assistance to people in the country as well as potential refugees fleeing the conflict.
The EU must respond to Russia’s aggression and provocations with tough sanctions. We welcome the initial EU response swiftly undertaken against the individuals and entities involved in the latest violations of Ukraine’s territorial integrity and remain confident that stronger measures will be put in place if necessary. We urge EU institutions to meet Russia’s large-scale, unprovoked attacks with tougher sanctions.
The PES has been strongly supporting the EU sanctions package connected to Russia’s attacks on Ukraine’s sovereignty since 2014. Russia’s latest aggression demands a coherent and determined international reaction. The PES will continue working to ensure the EU has a clear and consistent position which results in severe economic repercussions for those responsible.
See: “PES Presidency stands with Ukraine against Russian invasion”
