Richard Howitt (S&D), in writing. - We must defend the right of peaceful protest of the Euro-maidan activists in Ukraine and, at the same time, support mediation to help find a durable political solution for the future.

I am concerned when internal sympathies unduly influence statements here. I believe that all detainees should have the right to a fair trial, and that engagement with Russia is an essential part of the solution. I do not think we can win a bidding war with Moscow, nor am I persuaded that the time is yet right for sanctions. Instead, let us use the ‘Sochi window’ to make real progress on the ground, in the interests of democracy and sovereignty for this country as for any other.