Russia’s road to democracy runs through Ukraine

The EU should support Russia’s democratic opposition, whose representatives condemn Putin’s war against Ukraine. The release of political prisoners in Russia must also be included in any future Ukrainian-Russian peace talks. At the same time, Russia's democratic forces must find unity. Without it, they will have little influence on the political process in Russia.

These are the key messages that the EPP Group’s lead MEP on Russia, Sandra Kalniete MEP, will convey during today’s plenary debate on the future of EU support for Russian democratic forces, anti-war actors and repressed civil society.

"Russia’s neo-imperialist aggression has had, and will continue to have, a profound and lasting impact on international law, European security, democracy and the lives of millions of people. This is not just a military conflict," insists Kalniete.

"All instruments of the Russian state - the government, the economy, the financial sector, propaganda and the Orthodox Church - serve the war and militarize the society. Therefore, the only way to revive Russia and heal the Russian society is Ukraine’s victory. Only through defeat can Russia become a country where democracy, the rule of law, human rights and fundamental freedoms prevail. It is our duty to support Ukraine’s self-defence," Kalniete adds.

According to the latest data, Vladimir Putin’s regime has concentrated its repression on anyone who does not support Russia’s war against Ukraine. More than 5,000 criminal cases have been opened, and more than 4,000 political prisoners are languishing in prisons.