Today in the European Parliament we discussed the topic of Crimean Tatars. Russian annexation of Crimea is illegal and needs to stop. Crimea must be returned to Ukraine. Until this is not the case, Russia is obliged to protect the Crimean people from any form of discrimination and to protect their human rights. Sadly we are witnessing the opposite. The banning of Mejlis and the persecution of its members is deplorable and has to stop.

I made a proposal to nominate Mustafa Dzhemilev as one of the candidates for the Sakharov Prize. He is a leader of the Crimean Tatars who has been banned from entering Crimea for his activities in promoting the human rights of the Crimean Tatars in Crimea.

EU needs to send a clear message that we do not tolerate the current occupation of Crimea and the repressions of the Crimean Tatars.

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We need to talk about Ukraine. Without excessive international political correctness and wishful thinking.

Let us remember for a moment why Crimea and a part of Eastern Ukraine have been taken over by Russia and why there are still constant fears and tensions over a new offensive. The battle is for more than just those areas. It is for the whole Ukraine and for the other parts of the former Soviet Union, except for the countries that managed to join NATO and the European Union. Russia wants to stop the former Soviet republics from moving to the West and making democratic changes. Russia also wants Ukraine and the other former Soviet republics to join the Eurasian Union and the Customs Union.

There needs to be a change in attitude in Ukraine for that to happen. Ukraine did not change its westernising politics despite economic and political pressure from Russia, and so military force had to be used. The same military force that worked in 2008 and scared a number of NATO members away from the actual NATO membership perspective of Georgia.

It is very difficult to expect a quick and easy solution that would stop the Russian aggression in Ukraine. Either the Ukrainian government gives up trying to approach the EU and joins the Eurasian Union and the Customs Union or the Russian government changes its mind and gives up its ambitions. It is clearly a very principled confrontation without an easy and quick solution. Still, I think the latter option is considerably less likely than the former. If that is to happen, then the war will end quickly, because there are no other reasons.

However, it should be remembered that if Ukraine were to succumb to the pressure and sink back into the Russian sphere of influence, there will be an even faster and greater pressure on Moldova, Georgia, Azerbaijan and some still obstinate Central Asian countries such as Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan to make choices that are more convenient for Moscow.

Considering that, it should be explained what the European Union actually wants and what it is ready to do. If the EU wants Ukraine to move forward with the rule of law and market economy reforms and not to crumble under Russian military and other types of pressure, much more has to be done, and much faster. This, however, requires the consensus of 28 countries.

What is the economic situation of Ukraine and its people? Russia’s aggression demands millions every day to maintain the front and increase the defence capability. Hundreds of thousands of people are no longer working and therefore not contributing to either the Ukrainian economy or their own standard of living, because they are either internally displaced persons or called to military service. International investments to Ukraine have decreased dramatically, because insecurity and fear of war have taken their toll. Trade has decreased significantly. Contributing to the humanitarian aid and dealing with over a million IDPs are a heavy burden on the budget.

In addition, the subsidies to citizens have decreased, which has led to a huge increase in utility bills, and the hryvnia (UAH) exchange rate has plummeted in just a few months. As a result, millions of people are now even poorer and less content. More and more people just want peace and a chance to make ends meet for themselves and their children. It’s very human, especially considering that many people still have no clear idea what will be good about approaching the EU. However, they know exactly what has got worse and that it does not stop there.

Therefore, in the next months Russia needs to maintain military pressure and tension in East Ukraine, so the Ukraine society would be under continuous stress, investments would not be restored, the standard of living would diminish and people would be more and more discontent. The support for the government and political parties has decreased considerably and that trend is unlikely to change. In the autumn there will be local elections, which in Ukraine include electing leaders in dozens of big cities in addition to rural areas. The pro-Russian opposition is already excited. Moscow has high hopes that with increasing pressure and poverty it is possible to steer Ukraine’s domestic politics in their desired direction without new military offensive.

What have the EU and US done and what could be done to help Ukraine stay on the course for a law-governed state and market economy despite all difficulties? First of all a quick financial and reform aid. At a recent Eastern Partnership summit in Riga a 1.8 billion euro loan was presented as something extraordinary. It is not a particularly huge leap. The prime minister of Ukraine has said that their current minimum need is 25 billion euros. This or an even larger sum is actually affordable to the EU, US and other contributors. Greece, for example, has by now received about twenty times as much.

Visa-free travel. The Ukrainian society is depressed by the war that has lasted for over a year, and they need strong emotional support from the EU. Unfortunately they did not receive it at the Eastern Partnership summit in Riga. A specific decision concerning a deadline was expected there. Letting the citizens of Ukraine travel visa-free would show that the EU trusts them. That kind of support is badly needed right now. Even if the majority of Ukrainians will not use the visa-free travel option in the foreseeable future due to lack of funds, it would still be a very important positive impulse. In addition, the citizens of Ukraine would be able to travel in the EU visa-free before the citizens of Russia, even though a few years ago the situation might have been the other way around.

The citizens of Moldova have been able to travel visa-free in the EU for a year now and it has worked well. In addition to a practical meaning it also carries a political meaning. 75,000 residents of Transnistria, which is under Russian control, have taken Moldovan citizenship as well.

European perspective. The EU must constantly and clearly tell Ukraine that every European country which has fulfilled the necessary criteria may apply for EU membership. As strange and frustrating for Ukraine as it may be, the EU countries have not been able to come to an agreement on that clear message to Ukraine, not even for the last Eastern Partnership summit. That sends a clear message how much interest there actually is in Ukraine’s complete transformation into a Western democracy.

The ratification by all EU members of the association agreement that was reached a year ago between the EU and Ukraine. There was a clear idea after reaching the agreement that it would be approved by all EU members by the time of the Eastern Partnership summit. However, that has not been achieved. Eight countries have not ratified the agreement, and four, including Greece and Cyprus, have not even started the necessary process.

The support for Ukraine in defending their country. If it is unrealistic to reach an agreement on shipping weapons to Ukraine, then many other supporting actions should be carried out more than has been done until now. For example, humanitarian aid for people who have lost their homes, help and advice concerning cyber attacks, any kind of logistical and supply aid. The homes destroyed in the January missile attacks in Mariupol have still not been restored due to lack of funds, even though it could have prevented the increase of new IDPs.

The fundamental choice for the EU, the US, and other Western countries is whether there is a genuine wish to help Ukraine into the Western political and economic space, or is that objective not too serious. If the answer is yes, it is necessary to start a grand and extensive aid and reform programme. Europe has a similar experience from the middle of the 20th century. It would take tens of billions of euros, a thorough reform plan and thousands of experts to carry those plans out. In addition, it would take investments by big Western companies into the Ukrainian energy sector, but also into many other economic sectors. Ukraine is starting a big privatisation programme, and Western companies should definitely participate. In the near future it is especially important in the energy sector. Along with the money and know-how of democratic countries’ companies Ukraine would receive a different kind of work culture and principles that would be of great help in cutting corruption.

There is not much time left for all that. Ukrainian society is at its breaking point and Russian exhaustion tactics seem to be working. Most importantly, are there enough European and US politicians who are willing to contribute thoroughly to the change in Ukraine? Or is the current uncertainty satisfactory, so that if Ukraine were to sink back under the influence of Moscow, it would be met with sighs and comments that it was inevitable?

Let us remember a saying from years ago that if the EU does not succeed in its own immediate neighbourhood, then how can one assume for it to succeed even farther away. The EU’s actual intentions and practical execution in Ukraine are being closely observed by Moldova, Georgia, and other former Soviet republics, as well as the EU’s southern neighbours, from Morocco to Iran, in order to know who and to what extent should be taken seriously in the world today.

Urmas Paet
Member of the European Parliament
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Estonia 2005-2014

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Member of the European Parliament Urmas Paet said at the parliament’s foreign affairs committee meeting that if concrete decisions will not be taken at the upcoming Eastern Partnership summit, there is a risk of creating disappointment in Eastern Partnership countries, particularly in Ukraine and Georgia.

According to Paet the summit in Riga on 21 and 22 May can be successful only if concrete decisions are made concerning the future development of closer relations between the EU and Eastern Partnership countries, in particular Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova.

“We have to send a strong message by setting a specific date for visa liberalization, but at the moment it seems that we will not have this outcome from the summit. In addition there is no consensus in the EU concerning the EU perspective to Eastern Partnership countries. Therefore there is a significant risk that at an already difficult time, the Eastern Partnership summit will create disappointment, because nothing concrete is decided,” he added.

Paet stated that setting a date of visa liberalization for Ukraine and Georgia is of key importance. “Moldova attained a visa free travel regime to the European Union a year ago and during this time 75 000 Transnistrian residents have obtained Moldovan citizenship. This shows that visa liberalization with the EU has political influence,” he said.

Paet added that the EU has to be able to prevent the disappointment of the summit, and that the clearest way of doing that would be to make a decision regarding visa liberalization for Georgia and Ukraine. In addition, a consensus should be achieved concerning the EU perspective to Eastern Partnership countries.

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Member of European Parliament, Urmas Paet, said at discussion over situation in Ukraine in European Parliament plenary session in Strasbourg, that the new prospectively achieved truce may not make Eastern-Ukraine so called new frozen conflict area.

“At today’s meeting in Minsk maybe new truce, along with a new dividing line, will be achieved in Eastern-Ukraine. I hope this truce agreement shall not be breached 120 times a day. The new dividing line will probably be worse than previous, as the area of Eastern-Ukraine that remains under Ukraine’s control has diminished in recent weeks,” he said.

According to Paet the truce is certainly needed, however, it cannot lead to creation of another frozen conflict area. This wouldn’t be appropriate for a 21st century defence environment in Europe.

“Finding a solution for the whole conflict is very complicated, considering that we are dealing with fundamental confrontation. Russia wants to stop Ukraine from moving towards European Union, whereas the government and majority of community aim at continuing the path towards EU. The EU can only dwell from the fact that each country has the right to create its own future,” he said.

Paet added that until this principal is secured and the aggression in Ukraine continues, on top of Eastern-Ukraine the Crimea may not be forgotten, the EU must carry on political activities together with USA and other democratic countries, expand pressure on Russia and provide comprehensive help to Ukraine. “This includes quick assistance with intelligence and communication facilities and systems, cyber defence and satellite pictures. At the same time the EU has to maintain unanimity,” he said.

Additional information:
urmas.paet@europarl.europa.eu
www.urmaspaet.eu

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The conflict in Ukraine needs an immediate international intervention for which the most logical way would be reaching a new ceasefire, and allowing UN peacekeeping force to the country. Of course, provided that Russia is not going to veto the decision in the UN Security Council. This step would end the violence and Ukraine’s further losses of any territory.

Nonetheless, the probability is not great due to Russia’s wish to weaken Ukraine as long as that country abandons moving towards European Union.

If it would be possible to end the violence, only then there would be ground to conduct political negotiations to end the conflict so that Ukraine could be free to make its own choices for the future.

Creating a permanent mission of the European Union would also contribute to relieving the situation, however, Russia would probably not allow the mission to its occupied territories.

Hence, the foreign ministers of European Union need to make new explicit decisions this thursday in order to influence Russia to stop their new, large-scale attacks in Ukraine.

Additional information:
urmas.paet@ep.europa.eu
www.urmaspaet.eu

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Today, in establishing a Group of Friends of European Ukraine, Urmas Paet, member of European Parliament said that member states should urgently design a similar attitude regarding support to refugees from Eastern-Ukraine.

“This concerns providing help to these 600 000 people who have been granted asylum in other areas in Ukraine. Likewise in EU countries, giving protection and temporary shelter to people who have escaped from Eastern-Ukraine,” he said.

“Certainly the most important thing is to end war and violence in Eastern-Ukraine, and restore Ukraine’s territorial integrity. Yet at the same time we need to do our best to help people who are suffering,” Paet urged.

According to Paet ratifying EU-Ukraine Association Agreement by EU member states would have symbolic and significant meaning. “It was promised to be a quick process, still only 7 of 28 member states have ratified the agreement, including Estonia,” he added.

It is similarly critical to move on with implementation of visa-freedom to citizens of Ukraine. “Society of Ukraine would make much of it. Citizens of Moldova got visa-freedom from EU in spring, now same should be imposed upon Ukrainians,” Paet stated.

He noted that preventing further breaches of human rights in annexed Crimea and Donbas must get serious attention as well.

47 members belong to the Group of Friends of European Ukraine, who met today with representatives of different political groups of European Parliament.

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Estonia has sent food aid to Ukraine to help internally displaced persons that have fled the conflict zone in Eastern Ukraine. Urmas Paet, a member of the European Parliament, said that the arrival of the food aid is very timely.

According to Paet the UNHCR Kiev office received 20 tons of milk powder, 4,5 tons of canned soups and 4,7 tons of canned meat. “Estonian humanitarian aid shipment preparations started already weeks ago. It has now arrived to Kiev and from there it will be sent to the IDPs in a very difficult situation in Odessa region. Estonian aid will also be distributed in other regions with IDPs,” he added.

Paet said that food and other humanitarian aid is still very much needed in Ukraine since the winter is approaching and people are not able to return to their home regions in Eastern Ukraine due to the ongoing conflict. “Estonia has supported Ukraine with nearly a million Euros this year, but more is needed and also Estonia must continue helping those that are suffering because of the conflict in Ukraine,” he said.

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Today, four month ago Malaysian Airlines passenger plane was shot down across Eastern-Ukraine, resulting 298 people killed.

Member of European Parliament, Urmas Paet, says that the executors of the crime have still not been detected, neither have all the bodies been found or identified. “The investigation has to clear up the people responsible and consequences must follow. We have to with a serious crime, thus international public needs to keep a close eye on further course of events”.

According to Paet, the investigation of people who take the consequences may not be covered by new ongoings. “Not G-20 nor any other attempt of encompassment by Russia may not overshadow the investigation of the plane crash and the murder of 298 people”, he added.

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Urmas Paet, a member of the European Parliament, stated during the plenary session of the European Parliament in Brussels that Russia is creating a second area of frozen conflict in the territory of Ukraine to prevent Ukraine from moving towards European Union.

According to Paet the so called elections in Donetsk and Lugansk areas aim at cutting these areas off from the rest of Ukraine and these elections could not have taken place without direct assistance from Russia. “We can also see that Russian heavy weaponry has started moving into Ukraine again and Ukraine has not even had the possibility of gaining control over its border. There is no intention from Russia to fulfill the Minsk agreements,” he said.

“EU must complement the sanctions list with at least the names of those who directly contributed to the conducting of the so-called elections in Eastern Ukraine. “At the same time unfortunately Russian action only adds tension to the situation and this has to be kept in mind when making the next decisions on sanctions,” Paet added.

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