Andi Cristea (S&D), in writing. — Notwithstanding the 5 September ceasefire protocol and the memorandum of 19 September, agreed upon by all parties to the conflict, shooting and shelling continues in Eastern Ukraine. This week alone, hostilities claimed the life of ten innocent people when a bus was hit by a shell. Russia persists in its breach of international law and is thus target of a continued EU sanction regime.
Only restraint, genuine commitment, national dialogue and reconciliation can contribute to a settlement of the conflict. Military confrontation will only escalate the current crisis, taking parties further away from a fair and sustainable political solution which respects Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
A swift and effective implementation of priority reforms to address the country’s pressing political, security and socio-economic challenges can play a vital role to this end. Ambitious policies fostering higher living standards, effective and transparent institutions and Ukraine’s European path represent some of the measures required to ensure bold responses to citizens’ demands, needs and aspirations.
A secure and prosperous Ukraine able to rely upon modern democratic institutions and an accountable rule of law system, notwithstanding the challenging security and political circumstances, is the spirit of this resolution and hence deserves this House’s support.