Roberta Metsola: Europe must speed up its policy of zero dependence on the Kremlin

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola briefed the chamber on her visit to Ukraine and called for more logistical, humanitarian and military support as she opened the session yesterday.

The atrocities committed by the Russian army in Ukraine are horrific, shameful and disgraceful, the president said, adding that footage from Bucha and Irpen underlines the level of threat facing Ukraine and the rule-based global world order.

“These are war crimes perpetrated by war criminals; these coordinated acts of inhumanity cannot remain unanswered. We will hold all those responsible to account,” said the President, adding that this would mean immediately adopting a new package of forceful sanctions, and targeting those who bankroll and support Putin.

According to Metsola, Europe must speed up its policy of zero dependence on the Kremlin, and disentangle itself from Russian energy supplies, implement binding embargoes and stop indirectly funding the bombs.

After her speech, MEPs observed a minute’s silence in memory of the victims of Bucha, Irpen and all victims of war, terror and violence.

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European Parliament President in Kyiv to pledge EU solidarity