Lithuanian MEP drafts resolution on Ukraine

“The situation in Ukraine is reminiscent of the beginning of the Second World War, peaceful residents and children are dying. Military campaigns carried out by terrorists in eastern Ukraine are a cause for concern. Therefore, we call on the sides to start negotiations and find a solution to end the conflict, decrease tensions and stabilise the situation,” Mazuronis said.

According to the MEP, crisis in Ukraine may impact security and stability of the entire region and undermine relations between the European Union and Russia in the future. Mazuronis says Russia’s actions violate international law and commitments to the United Nations Charter, the OSCE Helsinki Final Act and the Budapest Memorandum on Security Assurances to Ukraine.

The draft resolution states that Moscow must not be allowed to revive its imperial traditions; the EU member states are encouraged to employ stricter sanctions against people who are a part of the decision-making process in Russia. It is also stressed that international financial support should be used by the Government of Ukraine to implement planned reforms, strengthen the rule of law, border security and police, and to effectively combat corruption.

Deliberations on the resolution will take place next week, on 14-17 July, at the plenary sitting of the European Parliament. If it is adopted, the resolution will then be submitted to the Council, the Commission, Governments of the member states, the Ukrainian president, Government and Parliament, the European Council and the Russian president, Government and Parliament.