Iratxe García: 'Whatever it takes, we stand with Ukraine'

The S&Ds reiterate their total support to Ukraine after 1,000 days of Russia´s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. During a special plenary session held in Brussels in which President Zelenskyy participated remotely from Ukraine, S&D leader Iratxe García called for an increase in EU aid, including military support, and to do all that is necessary for Ukraine to become a free and sovereign country and decide on its future as an EU member.

During the plenary debate, S&D leader Iratxe García, said:

"Today marks 1,000 days since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, as well as 4,000 days since the aggression against Ukraine began in 2014.

"Today I want to reaffirm, on behalf of the S&D family, our total support to Ukraine, for as long as it takes. It is not only about helping Ukraine for as long as necessary, but also about supporting Ukraine with everything necessary. Let us overcome the defeatist message of those who think that Ukraine cannot win the war. Russia has lost many wars in its history.

"And this is why Ukraine needs weapons, because wars are not only won with the power of words; wars are also won with ammunition, tanks, fighters, and air defences.

"Our support for Ukraine is not only a moral obligation to those attacked, but also to international law and a just peace. There is no better guarantee for the security of the European continent than the victory of Ukraine. Because if Ukraine falls, Putin's nationalist, authoritarian and criminal regime will not stop.

"We will accompany you until your aspirations of being a free and sovereign country that decides its own destiny in the European family become a reality. We will be at your side until the blue and yellow of the Ukrainian flag waves alongside the blue and yellow of the European flag."