MEPs hopeful of diplomatic breakthrough in Russia-Ukraine crisis

The mood among MEPs in Strasbourg this week was "anxious" but "still hopeful" of a diplomatic breakthrough to avoid an escalation of the current situation in Ukraine.

Russian president Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday that the Kremlin had decided to "partially pull back troops". However, the Russian military gave no details from which positions the withdrawal would take place, or in what numbers.

Fine Gael MEP Colm Markey echoed remarks made by European Parliament president Roberta Metsola on Monday evening in which she expressed solidarity with Ukraine and said the EUis prepared to respond should the situation deteriorate.

“MEPs are anxious but are still hopeful of a diplomatic breakthrough in the coming hours,” he told said.

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"A Russian invasion of Ukraine would have devastating humanitarian consequences and could lead to a new migrant crisis in Europe. The EU is prepared and the response would be significant," he said.

There are "no winners in this scenario" as serious sanctions on Russia would have "a knock-on effect in the EU", said Mr Markey.

Long term, the EU needs to think about Europe’s energy reliance on Russia and fast-track alternative, renewable options, added Mr Markey.

Fine Gael MEP Deirdre Clune said she is "really concerned at the warnings coming from the US about an imminent Russian invasion", but remains hopeful that intense diplomatic engagement could avoid an escalation.

“At the same time I think it is prudent that Europe decides on a sanctions regime to send a clear message to the Russian regime,” she said.

“Invasion or no invasion, there are lessons for the EU to act on as quickly as possible. It’s just not sensible to have over 40 per cent of our gas coming from one country, which is not a friendly country anymore,” said Fine Gael MEP Seán Kelly.

Forceful action

Mr Kelly said the EU had “missed the boat somewhat” on acting quickly enough in that regard but that “shouldn’t mean we don’t try, we just have to ramp up all measures”.

On Monday, Ms Metsola expressed “solidarity with the people of Ukraine as they continue to face the uncertainty of the past weeks and fear of Russian military aggression. What we are witnessing is a serious threat to peace in Europe, and the position of this house is clear: we are with Ukraine.”

Ms Metsola urged for de-escalation of the current tension but stated that the Parliament “stands ready to support swift, co-ordinated and forceful action” should the situation deteriorate at any point.

On Wednesday, the parliament will vote on granting €1.2 billion in financial assistance to Ukraine to “support its stability and resilience in the current difficult circumstances”, said Ms Metsola.

“Ukraine is a sovereign state that must be free to decide on its future for the benefit of its people. No one should undermine that right,” she said.

High Representative of the European Union for foreign affairs and security policy Josep Borrell is also due to make a statement on Russia-Ukraine relations on Wednesday morning in Strasbourg.