The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign and Security Affairs, Josep Borrell, stated that the countries of the bloc They can and must do more in their support of Ukraine, since it is a matter of “strategic responsibility” for them.
Borrell stated this Tuesday that he expects a decision soon from the Member States to approve the use of the benefits generated by the assets of the Central Bank of Russia frozen in Europe to arm Ukraine in their fight to repel Russian aggression in the east of the country.
In a debate in the European Parliament focused on the invasion of Putin’s forces into Ukrainian territory, Borrell stated: “I hope for a decision soon because we need these resources to maintain aid to Ukraine, at a moment that is decisive in the face of Russian aggression. ”.
The High Representative explained his proposal: use 3 billion of euros of profits generated by the assets of the Central Bank of Russia tied up in Europe in order to support Ukraine militarily.
Borrell made it clear that Europe must do its part because things have not been business as usual since February 2022, when Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. “We have done a lot but I am sure we can do more and faster. We have to be more bold”, he stressed.
“Especially we Europeans can and must do more. We can and must do more. Because it is a question of responsibility European strategy,” he asserted.
According to your initiative, the 90% of the profits generated by Russian goods to fuel the European Peace Mechanism, which will mean more military aid to kyiv, while reserving a 10% to strengthen Ukraine’s defense industry, in an attempt to increase its own weapons production.
Brussels’ plans are to be able to transfer already in July part of the 3,000 million euros that it estimates to obtain in 2024 from the extraordinary profits generated by the assets of the Central Bank of Russia immobilized.
Borrel urged that the EU be prepared to continue supporting Ukraine long term: “Not only for tomorrow and maybe not only for next year,” he concluded.
The High Representative of the European bloc chaired a joint Council of EU Foreign and Defense Ministers in Luxembourg on Monday, in which he urged them to maintain a supply “continued” of components to reinforce the air defenses of Ukraine, which “clearly lacks the weapons” necessary to repel the Russian attack.
Borrell also celebrated during the European Parliament debate that the Congress of USA is advanced in the processing of a multi-million dollar package of support to Ukraine, mainly military aid, and considered that this decision was very timely.
“Aid is completely necessary, especially at a time when Russia is increasing its attacks in Ukraine, against cities or power plants, violating basic international rules and standards, while on the front the situation is also worrying,” Borrell said.
The head of community diplomacy trusted that the new American aid will arrive to give a boost to morale of the Ukrainian troops.
“We know that next week will be difficult and perhaps even more dangerous for Ukraine and European security,” he noted. According to him, this is “a war of attrition” that Russian President Vladimir Putin will continue to “conquer as much of Ukraine as he can.”
(With information from EFE and Europa Press)
