Volt's position on the war in Ukraine: Europe must take responsibility to do whatever it takes to help Ukraine win

Trump will return to the oval office on January 20th. He has said he would ‘’end the war in Ukraine in 24 hours’’. Based on previous statements and appointed officials, it is unclear what strategy he will pursue. In the worst case scenario, he will force Ukraine to negotiate from a position of weakness, which would destroy a viable Ukrainian state and strengthen Putin for a future direct conflict with a weakened EU. The Union has 47 days to prepare to secure our own continent’s destiny, or Trump will decide for us.

Decisive action can prevent a repeat of the fatal appeasement of the 1930's. Russia has already decided it is in conflict with Europe. Putin has staked his legitimacy on the war so will not stop. But his war economy is hitting its limits and might collapse. Putin is afraid. This is exactly why we should not give in to nuclear blackmail. It is up to us to tip the scales in Ukraine’s favour.

We have the means to do it. But it starts with a concrete theory of victory for a comprehensive, just and durable peace. This is why Volt fought for the following language in the latest European Parliament resolution on Ukraine last week:

‘’The EU should identify a peaceful solution to the war, based on Ukraine’s Peace Formula and Victory Plan, with a clear strategy, specific goals and a concrete roadmap.’’

We need to create such a concrete plan, and include the following measures. If need be, we support a coalition of the willing to move ahead faster and with more ambition to achieve those aims. We call upon the EU and its Member States to:

Financial

Immediately seize the full 300 billion in frozen Russian assets. Ramp up EU production through joint procurement and invest directly in the Ukrainian defense industry so that it can mass produce key products such as drones and long range missiles. Invest sufficiently above the 2% national targets to ensure defense readiness, which can be financed in different ways, most efficiently through Eurobonds. Commit at least 0,5% of GDP for direct support to Ukraine and 0,5% for joint EU defense development. Crack down on Russian shadow fleet oil tankers and strongly enforce (new) sanctions. Offer EU-backed guarantees to de-risk investments in Ukraine’s critical economic sectors.

Military

Support willing Member States in intercepting Russian air attacks on Ukraine that directly threaten NATO airspace, and set up air defense capabilities inside West Ukraine. Support training Ukrainian soldiers inside Ukraine, and relieve Ukrainian soldiers of non-combat tasks such as engineering, repair and medical. Ramp up weapon supplies, including TAURUS, and remove all restrictions on their use.

Political

Finally remove Orban’s veto, or create an intergovernmental arrangement by the 26 other countries to unblock support to Ukraine and sanctions on Russia. Provide a clear path to NATO membership for Ukraine as a precondition for any peace negotiations. In the meantime, provide credible security assurances and support to protect Ukraine. Expand the Ukraine Facility to accelerate EU membership and reconstruction. Establish a credible non-nuclear deterrent capacity to prevent future Russian aggression.  

Europeans have nothing to fear but fear itself. This critical moment gives us the chance to return peace to our continent. We are confident that we can do it. Whatever it takes.   

Created and signed by the Volt European Parliament Team, Dutch Parliament team and Volt Europa

Volt Ukraine

Volt has a presence in Ukraine. Volt Ukraine is here for Ukrainians at home and abroad, 44 million people. We are building bridges between our countries, bringing us closer together, even as the war on our continent tries to push us apart.

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