S&Ds on Ukraine: It is time for Europe not just to support, but to lead — that is how we achieve peace

Russia has proved once again it's not interested in peace. Reacting to the largest Russian air attack so far in the war against Ukraine - which killed at least five people and set a government building in Kyiv ablaze on Sunday - the Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament today called on EU member states to increase pressure on Russia.

In particular, the S&Ds stressed that it is time to seriously tackle the circumvention and evasion of sanctions by banning re-exports of EU-imported goods through third countries. They also called for swift progress on confiscating frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine's defence and reconstruction.

This week in Strasbourg, the European Parliament is set to adopt its first report on Ukraine's preparations for EU membership. The S&D Group will vote in favour, while urging the Hungarian and Slovak governments to stop sabotaging EU unity, including by lifting the veto on opening negotiations on the first chapters. Ukraine must be allowed to continue progressing - together with its neighbour Moldova - on the path towards EU membership.

Speaking in the debate, S&D MEP and shadow rapporteur on Ukraine, Thijs Reuten, recognised Ukraine's determination to deliver reforms despite the ongoing war:

"Ukraine is part of our European family. Our support for its accession is unwavering.

"But let's be clear: enlargement is overshadowed by Ukraine's existential fight against Russia's aggression.

"Let's be blunt: the cycle is always the same. The US hints at pressure, Putin fakes negotiations, Europe hesitates, the pressure fades - and then Putin escalates. The cycle then repeats itself.

"Ukraine suffers while defending itself - and us. We must break this cycle or risk allowing Russia to define Europe's future.

"There is no peace on the horizon, because Putin does not want peace. Every signal says the opposite. Therefore, our strategy must change: more pressure, more weapons, stronger sanctions, real enforcement. And we must finally seize Russian assets and use them for Ukraine's security.

"It is time for Europe not just to support, but to lead. That is how we achieve peace."