The Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) welcomes the adoption of the European Parliament resolution of 15 January 2015 on the situation in Ukraine which confirms support for Ukraine, particularly in protecting its independence and sovereignty, strengthening its defence capabilities, overcoming today’s crisis, implementing all-encompassing reforms, and the accelerated ratification of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement.
The European Parliament resolution “strongly condemns Russia’s aggressive and expansionist policy, which constitutes a threat to the unity and independence of Ukraine and poses a potential threat to the EU itself, including the illegal annexation of Crimea and waging an undeclared hybrid war against Ukraine, including information war, blending elements of cyber warfare, use of regular and irregular forces, propaganda, economic pressure, energy blackmail, diplomacy and political destabilisation; stresses that these actions are in breach of international law and constitute a serious challenge to the European security situation; emphasises that there is no justification for the use of military force in Europe in defence of so-called historical and security motives or for the protection of one’s so-called ‘compatriots living abroad’; calls on Moscow to stop escalating the situation by immediately halting the flow of weapons, mercenaries and troops in support of the separatist militias and to use its influence with the separatists to convince them to engage in the political process.”
The European Parliament also “calls for the continuation of the current EU sanctions regime […] as long as Russia does not fully respect and, above all, deliver on its Minsk obligations, and urges the Commission to find ways to enhance solidarity among Member States should the crisis with Russia continue; stresses the need to adopt a clear set of benchmarks which, when achieved, could prevent imposing new restrictive measures against Russia or lead to lifting of the previous ones, including: implementation of the ceasefire, unconditional withdrawal from Ukraine of all Russian troops and Russian-backed illegal armed groups and mercenaries, exchange of all prisoners including Nadia Savchenko, and restoration of Ukraine’s control over its whole territory, including Crimea.”
The resolution also “condemns the acts of terrorism and criminal behaviour of the separatists and other irregular forces in eastern Ukraine.”
In addition, the resolution confirms that “there are […] now no objections or legal restrictions to prevent Member States from providing defensive arms to Ukraine;” and the “EU should explore ways to support the Ukrainian Government in enhancing its defence capabilities and the protection of Ukraine’s external borders.”
Furthermore, the resolution “stresses the importance of a commitment by the international community to support economic and political stabilisation and reform in Ukraine” and “urges the EU Member States to ratify the AA [EU-Ukraine Association Agreement] before the Riga summit.”
“The Ukrainian World Congress calls upon the European Union Member States to adhere to the European Parliament resolution of 15 January 2015 on the situation in Ukraine which focuses on support for Ukraine, which is suffering from the unabated aggression of the Russian Federation and Russia-sponsored terrorists, and on ending the expansionist policies of the Russian Federation that also threaten the European Union,” stated UWC President Eugene Czolij.
