The S&D Group calls for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, a stronger EU commitment to Ukraine’s defence, tougher sanctions on Russia, and a collective approach to European security and defence. This is in light of the US resumption of military assistance to Ukraine, the US proposal for a 30-day ceasefire, and today’s votes on the resolutions on ‘the unwavering EU support for Ukraine after three years of Russia’s war of aggression’ and on ‘the future of European defence'.

Yannis Maniatis, S&D vice-president for foreign affairs, security and defence, international energy security and cooperation, and negotiator on the resolution on defence, said:

“We want a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, grounded in full respect for its sovereignty, territorial integrity and accountability for Russia’s illegal aggression and countless war crimes. The recent ceasefire proposal can be a step towards this, but only if Russia fully respects it and engages in meaningful negotiations with Ukraine, the US, and the EU for a fair, sustainable peace, based on international law.

“Recently, it has become clear that the EU needs to take greater responsibility for its own security. We see the future of European defence as a common European project. Member states must pool resources for defence spending and avoid fragmentation, which weakens our defence capabilities and increases costs. The possible ceasefire is not a guarantee for our security; a stronger, more unified European security strategy is necessary to deter future aggression by Russia and safeguard peace and prosperity for all Europeans.

“At the same time, defence investments must not come at the expense of social welfare. Cohesion funds shouldn’t be used for defence; instead, we need new EU investment tools that bolster our own industries. Preserving our social model, strengthening our strategic industries and defending our democracy go hand in hand to defend European security.”

Thijs Reuten, S&D negotiator on the resolution on Ukraine, said:

"The ceasefire proposal offers a window of opportunity for peace. We support Ukraine's desire for a just and lasting peace because Ukraine's population has been suffering immensely over the three years of Russia's full-scale war of aggression.

“The ball is in Russia’s court – as it always has been – and now the world will see if Russia is interested in a durable peace. Putin has a history of violating agreements, including ceasefire agreements. This means peace enforcement and long-term security guarantees remain absolutely essential. For this peace to be fair and durable, we also cannot ignore accountability and reparations for Russia’s horrible crimes and destruction. Our task to support Ukraine to reach a fair and durable peace remains unchanged.

“This is a critical juncture for Europe. We have two options. We either support Ukraine now with more weapons, better sanctions enforcement, the confiscation of frozen Russian state assets, and an embargo on Russian fossil fuels imports, or we risk facing the dire consequences of further Russian aggression on the entire European continent and the dismantling of the rules-based international order."