European Parliament reprensentatives look back at one year of Russian agrression against Ukraine. Nathalie LOISEAU, Chair of the Subcommittee on Security and Defence (SEDE) of the EP, talks about the very first thoughts she had when the aggression started. She also looks back at the work her SEDE Committee has achieved since the beginning of the war, and what is left to be done to further support Ukraine.

EU - Ukraine (T)

statement

Subcommittee on Security and Defence

troubles in Ukraine (T)

LOISEAU, Nathalie (Renew, FR)

solidarity with Ukraine (T)

Ukraine's application for EU membership (T)

consequences of the war in Ukraine (T)

One year of Russian Aggression against Ukraine: statement by Nathalie LOISEAU, Chair of the Subcommittee on Security and Defence (SEDE)

QUESTION: How did you learn about the Russian aggression against Ukraine ? SOUNDBITE (English), Nathalie LOISEAU, Chair of SEDE : My husband woke me up because he was not sleeping, and at five in the morning he heard that something was taking place in Ukraine. I had been to Ukraine just a few days before with the Subcommittee on Security and Defence for a fact finding mission, and I had come back wondering how we could stop Putin from going.

QUESTION: What was you very first thought on that 24th of February 2022? SOUNDBITE (English), Nathalie LOISEAU, Chair of SEDE: My first thoughts were for people that I had met in Ukraine, and I tried to reach them. I sent SMS, whatsapps, emails and I spent a whole day waiting for their answers. Some answered quite rapidly. I had a video call with some members of the Rada who were already in shelters and they were all saying "Sorry, we cannot turn on the video because we don't have enough power for this". And it it felt real, I should say.

QUESTION: Looking back at the past 12 months, how would estimate the role of your Committee? SOUNDBITE (English), Nathalie LOISEAU, Chair of SEDE : I think it took a war for EU to realise that it should be stronger on defence. For instance, to use of European peace facility in order to finance and fund military equipment to Ukraine was very rapidly decided. Using the temporary protection for our Ukrainian civilians coming to the European Union was also a first and was decided very rapidly. Humanitarian assistance, financial assistance. I have to say that the plenary of our Parliament dedicated a discussion, a debate and generally a resolution or a vote to Ukraine every single plenary for a year and for good reasons.

QUESTION: What did we get wrong? SOUNDBITE (English), Nathalie LOISEAU, Chair of SEDE: On sanctions, being able to get rid of Russian oil took too long. For Russian gas, it's even more difficult. On military equipment, this is not a EU decision every single member state decides. But we all know that, for instance, this notion, this difference between defensive weapons and offensive weapons was a fiction because Ukraine is being attacked. So we were wrong, wondering what were the limits. Especially because Putin wants to draw red lines and he's the one who escalates, who violates international law or whose army commits war crimes.

QUESTION: Which main actions should EP encourage to further support Ukraine? SOUNDBITE (English), Nathalie LOISEAU, Chair of SEDE : We know that we have to manufacture more ammunition in Europe. So we have to encourage our defence industry. This is why we are working right now on a new regulation so that there is joint procurement of military equipment, boots to replenish all stockpiles and to be able to send weapons to Ukraine. If there is a convention of sanctions in the European Union, it's a crime. It has to be prosecuted. And if there is a convention of sanctions in third countries, we have to decide secondary sanctions. Otherwise, we will always be late in the effectiveness of our decisions.