Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze to the Bundestag delegation: “To succeed, we need to destroy the military capabilities of Russia both on the front line and beyond”

The Chair of the Committee on Ukraine’s Integration into the EU Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze and the Secretary of the Committee Valentyn Nalyvaichenko met with the delegation of the Bundestag, including the Chairman of the Committee on European Union Affairs Anton Hofreiter and members of the Committee Günter Krichbaum and Thomas Hacker.

Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze thanked Germany for its support and the decision to double military aid. She noted that it is critical for Ukraine to obtain long-range Taurus weapons so that the Armed Forces can destroy Russian targets in the rear of the occupied territories. “I hope we all realise that to succeed, we need to destroy the military capabilities of the Russian Federation both on the front line and beyond it. In this way we can prevent from replenishing Russian forces,” said the Chair of the Committee.

Anton Hofreiter asked what steps Ukraine is taking to address the issue of national minorities on a bilateral level with Hungary. This was one of the requirements that Ukraine had to fulfil before opening negotiations on EU membership. Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze noted that Ukraine is ready for a constructive conversation with Hungary, but, unfortunately, this conversation goes beyond the scope of bilateral relations.

Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze also noted that countries aspiring to join the EU should not become hostages of internal transformations in the Union. Internal reform in the EU and the accession of new candidates, in her opinion, should go in parallel.

Günter Krichbaum assured the members of the Committee on Ukraine's Integration into the EU of Germany's full support for Ukraine: “Our visit today is proof of our full support.” He believes that Europe should support Ukraine militarily, as well as in fulfilling the conditions on the way to the EU. Günter Krichbaum also noted that it is necessary to use all possible international platforms to attract support for Ukraine.

Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze is convinced that Ukraine's partners can play a significant role in attracting this support. “It is important that the initiative of such support comes not only from us, but also from our European partners. Europe should set an example for the United States. It is critical for all of us not to lose this war. If Ukraine loses, it will cease to exist as a state, but it will also mean the defeat of the West,” said the Chair of the Committee. She called to help Ukraine obtain all possible means to protect itself, as well as to preserve the achievements of the free world and democracy that have already been made.