Ukraine needs heavy weapons, defense systems – EP President

“Ukrainians need to be able to defend themselves and us by extension. In this new, more dangerous phase of war, they need the heavy armor and defense systems that will allow them to survive the onslaught,” Metsola told diplomats.

According to the European Parliament President, the EU must respond to the latest escalation of Russia’s war of aggression, connected to the attempt to annex Ukrainian territories and massive missile strikes on Ukrainian cities “with our willingness to go further, to help more.”

Metsola stressed that the EU response to the illegal, brutal, and unjustified invasion of sovereign Ukraine by Russia “must be steadfast, strong, and unshakeable.”

She noted that the idea of lulling Russia into economic and energy ties that would ensure peace has failed so the only thing the Union can do is “learn the lessons and ensure we never repeat them.”

The official pointed to the fact that the invasion is not only about territory and neither it is only about Russia and Ukraine: “This is about two very different ways of life. About whether multilateralism can still respond to the threats of unilateral aggression. About whether our way of liberal democracy is resilient enough to withstand the pressure of large armies.”

She has called on Europe to adapt to the new world and to face, together, a world that pushes Europe to change along with it. “Putin thought he could break us, but instead he strengthened our resolve,” she noted.

Metsola stressed that only if Ukraine is able to defend itself “will we ever be able to be in a position to push for peace – a real peace, not one forced through blackmail.”

“In Europe we have long learned and understood that appeasement didn’t work, it does not work, and will never work,” the official concluded.