Polish MEP: Ukraine is paying with lives for Europe’s security — we must not retreat

Ukrainians are paying for Europe’s security with their lives, and forcing Kyiv to make concessions will not bring peace but will create conditions for further Russian aggression. Polish Member of the European Parliament (S&D) Krzysztof Śmiszek said this in a comment to Guildhall.

According to the MEP, preserving Ukraine as an independent military partner is of fundamental importance for the security of European countries.

“For more than four years, Ukrainians have been paying for Europe’s security with their lives, their cities and their children’s childhoods. Their army is the most experienced in Europe, and it is holding the line for all of us,” Śmiszek stressed.

He warned that forcing Ukraine to make concessions on Donald Trump’s and Vladimir Putin’s terms would not secure peace, but would bring the Russian threat closer to the European Union.

“Ukraine, forced to make concessions on Trump’s and Putin’s terms, would not bring peace. It would bring Russia closer to the EU’s borders and allow it to continue its offensive,” the parliamentarian said.

Śmiszek noted that Europe has the economic resources to support Ukraine and defend itself. However, making use of these capabilities requires faster and more decisive action.

“We owe Ukrainians more than just words. Europe has the economic power to support Ukraine and defend itself. What it lacks is speed, courage and a full understanding that Russia will not stop at Ukraine,” he stressed.

The MEP called on European countries to invest jointly in the defence industry and carry out joint arms procurement.

“As a Pole and a European, I know that our security begins on Ukraine’s eastern border,” Śmiszek concluded.

Earlier, Italian Chamber of Deputies member Silvio Lai said in a comment to Guildhall that turning Ukraine’s sovereignty into a bargaining chip would weaken Europe’s security, and stressed that an independent Ukraine is a partner in ensuring European security, not a pawn to be sacrificed.