Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze: “If the world supports Ukraine and we defeat the Russian Federation together, it never dares to attack again”

The Committee on Ukraine's Integration into the EU conducted a meeting with a group of senior advisers to members of the German Bundestag.

The Chair of the Committee, Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze, expressed gratitude to Germany for its support. “We hope that this support will not only continue but also grow, considering the threats that the Russian Federation poses to Ukraine and the security of the entire Euro-Atlantic community,” she said.

Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze also thanked Germany for endorsing the decision of the European Council to open negotiations with Ukraine regarding its accession to the EU. “This marks a significant step for the European Union to evolve from an economic giant into a strategic geopolitical player.” According to her, this decision brought hope to Ukrainians. “We must mobilise all our forces to defend our country in the ongoing war and simultaneously carry out crucial democratic transformations required for EU membership. We anticipate that the European Commission is going to initiate the screening process, and we hope to have a negotiation framework developed and agreed upon by spring,” stated the Chair of the Committee. She believes that the Prime Minister of Hungary will continue attempting to hinder Ukraine's path to European integration. “I want to emphasise that this is not merely a bilateral issue between Ukraine and Hungary. It also reflects the Hungarian leader's reliance on Russia and efforts to undermine EU rules and procedures. I believe this problem also concerns the EU policies” she added.

The Chair of the Committee on Ukraine’s Integration into the EU also expressed hope for the approval of a financial mechanism of the European Union to support Ukraine. However, she noted that the funds allocated to the Ukraine Facility – amounting to approximately 50 billion euros over four years – are insufficient for the reconstruction of Ukraine. The actual recovery needs are much higher. “It is obvious that these funds will not be enough for the reconstruction of Ukraine. However, I hope that an agreement will be reached in February and the Ukraine Facility will be approved. This mechanism would set up large-scale support for the recovery of Ukraine and other donors would be able to join it. Of course, with transparent reporting,” said Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze.

She expressed concern over the lack of progress in the European Peace Facility, a military aid mechanism for Ukraine. The last tranche to this fund, amounting to 500 million euros, was blocked by Hungary. The entire negotiation process for the allocation of more than 20 billion euros for the EU's security needs in the coming years, including support for Ukraine, is currently on hold. “This poses a significant problem for us, especially given the internal political developments in the United States and ongoing discussions there regarding further support for Ukraine,” stated the Chair of the Committee. Consequently, in her view, the decision on further support for Ukraine is not merely an economic issue but a matter of leadership and a clear understanding of challenges and threats. “It is more cost-effective for the world to support Ukraine now than to face the threats that will arise if Ukraine does not stand up. If Ukraine loses the war, we, as a nation, as a state, will cease to exist. But even then, you will have to take up arms and fight for yourself. Russia will not stop at the borders of the EU. It will go further. But if the world supports Ukraine and we defeat the Russian Federation together, it never dares to attack again,” concluded Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze.