Ahead of the European Council meeting and following the first official S&D mission to Ukraine last week, Group Leader, Iratxe García, calls on the 27 member states to prioritise aid to Ukraine through increased military support, sanctions on Russia and the use of €200 billion of frozen Russian assets.

García emphasises the urgent need to defend Ukraine against Russia, warning that this is not an isolated crisis. After Ukraine, Putin's criminal regime could target Moldova, Georgia or Lithuania. She also highlighted Ukraine’s commitment to EU values.

Iratxe García, S&D Group leader, said:

“Ukraine is going through one of its most difficult periods since February 2022. Russia savagely strikes civilian infrastructure and resorts to weapons with nuclear potential. North Korean forces support Russia in the Kursk region while Iranian missiles and drones terrorise civilians and pound cities relentlessly.

“But Ukrainian authorities are not contemplating a ceasefire. I have seen a Ukraine firmly committed to European values. They want us to help them achieve peace through a position of strength; one which will force Putin to negotiate.

“Those who believe sacrificing Ukraine will safeguard world peace are gravely mistaken. Putin will not stop. After Ukraine, he will target Moldova, Georgia or Lithuania. Russia’s war against Ukraine is not an isolated crisis, it is the prelude to a global struggle between authoritarian regimes and democracies.

“Ukraine urgently needs more air defence, more ammunition and more long-range weapons. It needs authorisation to strike military targets on Russian territory. It needs us to implement the 15th sanctions package to punish those who help Russia circumvent sanctions. And it also needs us to confiscate the €200 billion in frozen Russian assets to rebuild the country and further develop its defence industry.

“The United States will no longer be a reliable partner. The time has come for the European Union.”