European Summit and Russia
Quote from Philippe Lamberts
On the announcement of massive consequences including restrictive measures by EU leaders in case of further escalation of the situation on the Russian-Ukrainian border by the Russian government is Philippe Lamberts, President of the Greens/EFA group in the European Parliament, commented:
"Clear threats of sanctions are the language the Russian President understands. The EU must stand by its close partner; Ukraine's independence and territorial integrity are non-negotiable. Council takes the right step in making it clear to Vladimir Putin that turning the spiral of escalation will have harsh consequences. Ukraine´s future cannot and will not be decided by the Russian President.
“EU leaders should follow the European Parliament´s call for sanctions against strategically important economic sectors such as oil and gas companies and Russia's exclusion from the SWIFT payment system. The EU must show energy solidarity with Ukraine and end its energy dependence on Russia. The Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline is leading to a foreign policy predicament, saying goodbye to the divisive and foreign policy dangerous project should be done better sooner than later."
Background
In the resolution adopted today (Thursday, 16th December), MEPs call for the immediate withdrawal of Russian forces, tougher sanctions such as Russia's exclusion from the SWIFT payment system, as well as the non-operation of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline.
