The European Parliament adopted a resolution on the invasion of Ukraine by Russia.
The text adopted in plenary was tabled by the EPP, S&D, ALDE, Greens/EFA and ECR groups.
Parliament firmly condemned Russia’s act of aggression in invading Crimea, which is an inseparable part of Ukraine and recognised as such by the Russian Federation and by the international community. It called for the immediate de-escalation of the crisis, with the immediate withdrawal of all military forces present illegally on Ukrainian territory.
These actions are in clear breach of the UN Charter, the OSCE Helsinki Final Act, the Statute of the Council of Europe, the 1994 Budapest Memorandum on Security Assurances and Russia’s other international obligations which pose a threat to the security of the EU. Members called for a peaceful solution to the current crisis and full respect for the principles of, and obligations laid down under, international law and that the situation must be contained and further de-escalated with a view to avoiding a military confrontation in Crimea.
Parliament pointed out that, according to the Ukrainian constitution, the Autonomous Republic of Crimea can only organise referendums on local matters and not on modifying the internationally recognised borders of Ukraine. It stressed that a referendum on the issue of accession to the Russian Federation will therefore be considered illegitimate and illegal.
Members rejected Russia’s stated objective of protecting the Russian-speaking population in Crimea as completely unfounded, as it has not faced – and does not face – any discrimination whatsoever. Moreover, they strongly rejected the defamation of protesters against Yanukovych’s policy as fascists by Russian propaganda.
Parliament emphasised the need for the EU and its Member States to speak to Russia with one united voice and to support the right of a united Ukraine to determine its future freely. Therefore, it strongly supported the joint statement of the extraordinary European Council of 6 March 2014 that condemned the Russian acts of aggression and supported the territorial integrity, unity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.
Members welcomed the Council’s decision to adopt sanctions focused on the freezing and recovery of misappropriated Ukrainian funds, targeting 18 individuals, including Yanukovych. They also welcomed the European Council’s decision on a first wave of targeted measures towards Russia, such as the suspension of bilateral talks on visa matters and the New Agreement, as well as the decision by the Member States and EU institutions to suspend their participation in the G8 Summit in Sochi.
However, Members considered that in the event of further escalation with the annexation of Crimea, the EU should quickly take appropriate measures, which should include an arms and dual-use technology embargo, restrictions on visas, the freezing of assets, the application of money laundering legislation against individuals involved in the decision-making process with respect to the invasion of Ukraine, and measures against Russian companies and their subsidiaries, particularly in the energy sector, to fully comply with EU law.
Welcoming the commitment of the Ukrainian Government to an ambitious reform agenda, Parliament welcomed the Commission’s decision to provide Ukraine with a short- and medium-term financial aid and support package worth EUR 11 billion in order to help stabilise the country’s economic and financial situation. It also welcomes the readiness of the 28 EU heads of state or government to sign the political chapters of the Association Agreement and adopt unilateral measures, such as tariff cuts for Ukrainian exports to the EU.
Stressing the importance of secure, diversified and affordable energy supply for Ukraine, Parliament underlined the need to build up Ukraine’s resistance against energy threats coming from Russia. It also called on the Council to immediately authorise the Commission to speed up visa liberalisation with Ukraine, so as to advance along the path of introducing a visa-free regime, following the example of Moldova.
Lastly, Members stressed that the parliamentary cooperation established between the European Parliament and the Russian State Duma and the Federation Council cannot be conducted along the lines of business as usual.