During the debate in the European Parliament on the need for continued financial and military support for Ukraine against Russia's war of aggression, the ECR Group reiterated that the West must continue to stand by Ukraine.

Ukraine’s fight to defend itself is just and also serves the security of the European continent.

Speaking in Strasbourg, ECR Foreign Affairs Coordinator Adam Bielan said: “We urge EU member states not only to renew but to intensify their commitment to this just cause, and to do so across the political divide as President Zelenskiy works towards peace.”

According to Bielan, the Union is rightly committed to civilian and military support. This was evident last winter and will be important again next winter. For the ECR Group, a Ukrainian victory is the best guarantee that Russia will never again be able to wage devastating wars in Europe.

Mr Bielan’s speech reads in full:

Mr President, dear Commissioners, Colleagues,

First and foremost, on behalf of the ECR group, I would like to reiterate and emphasise our unwavering support for Ukraine in its fight against Russia: a nation whose path has too often been marked by aggression, oppression, and neglect for its own people.

Today, I wish to share our Group’s resolute perspective on the path forward: the European Union, its Member States, and our partners - with NATO continuing to lead the way - must renew and strengthen their commitment to support Ukrainian war effort and stand with the aggressed over the aggressor.

To date, the European Union has provided approximately 43.5 billion euros in military aid to Ukraine. This is in addition to the vital military training, humanitarian assistance, and civil support without which past and upcoming winters would have even a greater toll on the proudly resisting Ukrainian population.

The war exhaustion Western countries feel cannot be compared to what our Ukrainian allies are currently facing. It is crucial we reaffirm today our support and propose more and faster in terms of military aid.

Let me be clear: Russia will not stop in Ukraine. The cyberattacks and other security threats will expand to other countries.

Ukraine is a European state, whose place is alongside like-minded partners and friends. We urge EU Member States not only to renew but also to strengthen their commitment to this just cause, across political preferences, as President Zelensky is working towards peace.

Let us uphold our values and alliances, and give the means to Ukraine to do the same.

Thank you.

ENDs