Dear all -
Welcome to this powerful community supporting Ukraine. We launched the United for Ukraine initiative at the wars beginning in 2022. We must continue our fight for Ukraines victory, wherever we are, be it the European Parliament, national Parliaments, or the European Commission. Ukraine fights on, and so must we, until a just peace is achieved, not dictated by Putin.
Russias tragedy is its missed opportunity since 1990 to become a great nation, which it lost under Putins rule. Diplomacy alone cannot bring peace with such a regime; only decisive force can. Delays and excuses lead to more victims in Ukraine. We must show strength, not wait for calls or meetings with Putin.
Our hesitation to display our economic strength against Russia allows Putin to build military might, producing more weapons than all NATO members combined. As the US shifts focus to the Indo-Pacific, intelligence warns that Russia could challenge NATO in a few years with its drone capabilities.
During my recent visit to Ukraine, I witnessed their impressive use of drones, vital in their defense strategy. The BRAVE1 platform unites Ukrainian drone operators in a competitive system, rewarding successful operations. Ukraines approach, blending digital tactics with military needs, is a model of innovation.
However, Russia matches Ukraine in drone warfare, posing a significant threat to NATO. Lithuania, sharing borders with Belarus and Russia, requires millions of drones for defense, a reality for all Baltic states. We cannot afford to lag; our security depends on integrating Ukraine into a new European defense architecture.
My mission is to help establish this new security framework, with Ukraine at its core. We must enhance our military support for Ukraine, increasing our financial commitment through initiatives like SAFE loans, enabling joint procurement with Ukraine.
United for Ukraine must advocate for these loans, urging Member States to support Ukraine. This not only aids Ukraine but invests in our shared security future. Let us strengthen Europe together with Ukraine. Slava Ukrainy!