"Some were surprised by Ukraine's heroic action. But no one should have been surprised that, faced with oppression, subjugation and tyranny, they chose resistance. For this reason, ladies and gentlemen, I am convinced of a simple fact, today as two years ago, in front of you. And that is that Ukraine will prevail. And that Europe will be at Kiev's side at all times, in good times and in bad."
Ursula von der Leyen said this while speaking to the plenary of the European Parliament.
“Much of the attention around the extraordinary European Council was focused on our €50 billion Fund for Ukraine, and
rightly so. We are providing Ukraine not only with the financing it needs to keep the economy going, but also with strong predictability for the next four years. This Parliament has supported our proposal from the beginning. Today I would like to thank you for your unwavering support. This is what it means to stand by Ukraine for as long as it takes. With your approval, we will be able to make major payments to Ukraine as early as March."
added the president of the EU Commission.
For further information ANSA Agency Kiev: Russian missiles on Kharkiv, 2-month-old baby killed - Middle East - Ansa.it A 2-month-old baby died following a Russian missile attack during the night which hit civilian buildings and a hotel in the eastern region of Kharkiv, governor Oleg Synegubov reported on Telegram, quoted by the national media.
(HANDLE)
Von der Leyen stressed that "the anniversary we celebrate today is a tragic story of human loss and suffering. And it is even more tragic because we know that there will be more pain and suffering in the future. We know how important the stakes are for the Ukrainian citizens. And for the rest of us in Europe too. Putin's fictitious and invented war - and Ukraine's heroic resistance - have reminded us that our freedoms and our democracy are worth fighting for. Today we therefore give tribute to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice fighting for something."
Michel's appeal to the USA, 'Unblock the funds'
"The last two European Councils have shown that we will not be intimidated by Russia and that we will support Ukraine as long as necessary."
The President of the European Council Charles Michel said this in the Plenary of the European Parliament, launching "a solemn appeal to the US House of Representatives to release the necessary 60 billion" for assistance to Ukraine.
"Support for Ukraine is not charity, it is support for European values", said Michel, then focusing on the intervention of Die Linke (The Left), against the sending of new funds and weapons to Kiev.
"But how do you want the Ukrainians to defend themselves with water guns?" urged Michel.
Referring to the common defense strategy, Michel explained: "If we want the European defense project to have a greater impact we must ensure that we strengthen our capacity for economic development. In 1954 Jean Monnet had outlined the dream of a European Community defense but many member states did not accept" the proposal.
"Today", he pointed out, "common defense is a pillar, we see that without an operational defense capacity we are at the mercy" of others.
Borrel in Kiev, will speak at the Rada
After his trip to Poland, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, will be in Ukraine today and tomorrow.
During his stay Borrell will meet with President Volodymyr Zelensky, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov and address deputies of the
Verkhovna Rada.
Borrell will also visit the EU Advisory Mission for Civil Security Sector Reform in
Ukraine (EUAM Ukraine).
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