Possibility of adding the Lugansk People's Republic and the Donetsk People's Republic with their leaders to the EU's banned terrorist organisations list

23.7.2014

Question for written answer E-005926-14
to the Council
Rule 130
Charles Tannock (ECR) , Anna Elżbieta Fotyga (ECR)

Following the collapse of the Yanukovich regime in Ukraine and Russia’s annexation of Crimea, there is substantial evidence suggesting that the increasingly violent armed protests were organised by Russia and orchestrated by former members of the security services. There is now credible proof of the use of special forces and heavy artillery, including the transfer of air defence systems from Russia to Ukraine in an attempt to further destabilise the situation in eastern Ukraine. This covert military support appeared to increase following Ukraine’s decision to sign an Association Agreement and a DCFTA with the EU, which Russia perceived as a sign that Ukraine is leaving its sphere of influence under the Eurasian Union. Mounting evidence suggests that a Buk SA11 missile was supplied by the Russian government to the separatists, and that it is that group that was responsible for the downing of flight MH17.

1. If it is satisfactorily proven that the responsibility for the shooting-down of flight MH17 lies with the pro-Russian separatists, will the Council add the self-declared Lugansk People’s Republic and Donetsk People’s Republic to the EU’s list of banned terrorist organisations?

2. In the light of the report of the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission to Ukraine of 15 June 2014 citing 222 abductions and four executions by the rebel forces, what further action can be taken against the separatist leaders, and in particular Alexander Borodai, Igor Girkin (also known as ‘Strelkov’), Igor Bezler and Nikolai Kozitsyn?