The Chair of the Committee on Ukraine's Integration into the EU Ivanna
Klympush-Tsintsadze took part in the 14th transatlantic conference of
think tanks in Washington. The conference brought together key think tanks
of a conservative orientation from European countries and the United
States of America. The event was organised by the Wilfried Martens Centre
for European Studies, the International Republican Institute and the
Ronald Reagan Center.
Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze participated in a discussion on how to change
the course of Russia's war against Ukraine and end it. The Chair of the
Committee reminded the participants of the event that Russia started the
war against Ukraine not two and a half, but more than ten years ago. And
in this war, 22% of Ukrainians lost a close family member, 77% lost a
friend or a family member. She also emphasised that not only
the civilian population has suffered, but also the economy of Ukraine. Due
to the destruction of the energy infrastructure by Russian missile
attacks, Ukrainians often have electricity outrages for up to eight hours.
This makes it very difficult to keep businesses running and collect taxes
for the budget. Moreover, if the situation does not improve by winter,
Europe might face a new wave of refugees from Ukraine.
Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze also reminded colleagues from the USA about
Putin's real goals, which he announced during the Munich Conference in
2007. “Putin does not need new territories of Ukraine. He needs all of
Ukraine. He wants to restore the Soviet empire. And he will continue this
war of attrition as long as he is allowed to,” said the Chair of the
Committee. She is convinced that the West should stop justifying
restrictions to fight back the Russian Federation with its fears regarding
escalation. Putin does not need any pretext for the escalation. He comes
up with a pretext himself when he needs it.
Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze is convinced that the only language the Russian
dictator understands is force. The West should act from a position of
strength, not from a position of fear. Sanctions against Russia should be
strengthened. Ukraine should be provided with all the necessary weapons
and restrictions on its use should be lifted. Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze
called the West to provide more air defence means and help restore the
destroyed energy infrastructure. It is also crucial to give a clear signal
to Putin that Ukraine will be a member of NATO. Only membership in the
Alliance will be a real security guarantee not only for Ukraine but also
for the entire European continent. This will restore order in the world
based on international law and respect.