“What happens in Ukraine concerns all Europeans, because we cannot stand by and watch idly while the founding principles of the international community are being violated,” said EP president Martin Schulz during a visit to Kiev on Friday. “We have agreed on rules for states to follow when dealing with each other. These rules apply to all.” During his two-day visit, Schulz met Ukrainian prime minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk as well as president Petro Poroshenko.
Referring to the ongoing conflict with Russia, Schulz said: “One year ago, I could not have imagined that in the autumn of 2014 (…), 25 years after the end of the Cold War, the fear of war could return to Europe and that principles we have come to accept as self-evident could be put into question again.”
He stressed a political solution was needed, respecting Ukraine’s integrity and sovereignty: “The EU is in to support Ukraine for the long-run. I have made Kyiv my first destination and my first official visit (…) to show our solidarity with the Ukrainian people. The European Parliament stands by your side in this difficult time. As we have done in the past.”
