MEPs debate the Alexei Navalny’s imprisonment and treatment, Russian military build-up on the Ukraine border and the recent Czechia-Russia diplomatic row during the plenary session. Statements by Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the EC in charge of a stronger Europe in the World, Malik AZMANI (Renew, NL), Sergey LAGODINSKY (Greens/EFA, DE), Andrzej Witold HALICKI (EPP, PL), and Tonino PICULA (S&D, HR).

EU - Ukraine (T)

Brussels

statement

debate

plenary session

EU - Russia (T)

EU - Czechia (T)

PICULA, Tonino (S&D, HR)

BORRELL FONTELLES, Josep (PSE, ES, EC)

HALICKI, Andrzej (EPP, PL)

AZMANI, Malik (Renew, NL)

LAGODINSKY, Sergey (Greens/EFA, DE)

Russia, the case of Alexei Navalny, military build-up on Ukraine's border and Russian attacks in Czechia: extracts from the debate

Title: Russia, the case of Alexei Navalny, military build-up on Ukraine&apos;s border and Russian attacks in Czechia: extracts from the debate

SOUNDBITE (English), Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the EC in charge of a stronger Europe in the World, The conclusion by the Czech authorities that officers of the Russian military intelligence group perpetrated this attack, causing the deaths of two Czech citizens are extremely serious. The fact that it happened seven years ago doesn't decrease the gravity of the facts. This is not about military intelligence. This is about a grave criminal offence that runs counter to Russia's international obligations and such behaviour cannot be accepted. 

SOUNDBITE (English), Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the EC in charge of a stronger Europe in the World, Let me clearly extend our full support and solidarity with the Czech Republic. The symmetric response by Russia expelling diplomats and now threatening with limitations number of local staff is being met by the determined response from the European Union and its member states.

SOUNDBITE (English), Malik AZMANI (Renew, NL), MEP 9th parliamentary term, Last week we witnessed more of Putin's outrageous geopolitical behaviour. Evidence emerged about the involvement of Russian intelligence services in the two thousand fourteen explosion on the arms depot in the Czech Republic. We stand shoulder to shoulder with the Czech Republic and remind Putin that Russian interference has no place anywhere in the EU.

SOUNDBITE (English), Malik AZMANI (Renew, NL), MEP 9th parliamentary term, It's clear that Putin has failed to learn a lesson. You can kill, imprison or drive your opponents into exile, but you cannot dampen the legitimate wish of Russian people to one day live in a democratic and law abiding society. We cannot stand by while the Russian prime minister declares we are in "a new Cold War". Renew calls on the Council to extend the sanctions under the EU Magnitsky Act, we must show Putin that the EU is united in condemnation of this actions.

SOUNDBITE (German), Sergey LAGODINSKY (Greens/EFA, DE), MEP 9th parliamentary term, We're not only thinking of oligarchs and those in power. We think of all Russians across the country in all regions. We think of ordinary Russians and their families who have been locked up in detention facilities simply because they were defending freedoms and democracy, like Alexei Navalny. We're thinking here about mothers who don't want to lose their sons in pointless military missions as we've seen in Ukraine.

SOUNDBITE (Polish), Andrzej Witold HALICKI (EPP, PL), MEP 9th parliamentary term, The problem of Russia is the power of the oligarchs who support Putin. 90 percent of the Russians will accept decisive sanctions against the oligarchs because this will mean protecting Russian society. We need to impose sanctions on the Russian oligarchs.

SOUNDBITE (English), Tonino PICULA (S&amp;D, HR), MEP 7 - 9th parliamentary terms, Alexei Navalny did stop his hunger strike, but he still imprisoned. The attacks on his life and freedom illustrate the shrinking space for democracy, the rule of law and fundamental freedoms. While human rights situation in Russia is deteriorating on an unprecedented scale. Illegal activities in Czech Republic are a stark reminder on how far does Russian interference go.

SOUNDBITE (English), Tonino PICULA (S&amp;D, HR), MEP 7 - 9th parliamentary terms, We have to adopt a new substantial and comprehensive strategy towards Russia. We should not keep falling into political trap, further narrowing space for our political actions, but rather strengthen our common foreign and security policy.