Russian provocations in Europe — drone flights over Poland and incidents with aircraft near Estonia — are increasingly being regarded as a test of NATO’s readiness for decisive action. The need arises for a forceful response: the deployment of air defense systems so that their radius covers western Ukraine and excludes new violations of airspace.
At the same time, Europe is discussing the acceleration of arms supplies, the removal of bureaucratic barriers for volunteers of the International Legion of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as well as the strengthening of sanctions pressure: confiscation of Russian assets, a strike against “Rosatom” and the “shadow fleet,” and a complete refusal of imports of Russian gas.
This was stated in an interview to the Guildhall news agency by Member of the European Parliament from Belgium, Lukas Sieper.
– Can the cases with Russian drones in Poland and aircraft near Estonia be considered an act of military aggression by Russia?
– I would say — this is a military provocation. There were no attacks: the drones, as far as is known, were false targets, the planes only crossed the airspace. But this is a test of our resolve and reaction — and, possibly, a bait. Putin has a big problem: no matter how much propaganda he spreads, enough Russians use VPN and understand that in reality the war is being waged against Ukraine, and NATO only supports it. Perhaps the calculation was that we would shoot down these planes, and then Russia would get a pretext to mobilize even more people.
– How should NATO and the West respond to such actions? We in Ukraine are confident that the only signal Russia understands is military aid. Do you support its increase?
– Yes, of course. I have always advocated that we transfer to Ukraine everything that we have. This situation can be used to justify the placement of our air defense so that they also cover part of the Ukrainian sky. We must declare to Russia: everything that enters this radius will be shot down. In this way, we will ensure the cover of western Ukraine — infrastructure, warehouses, training centers, especially in the heating season.
– If we speak not only about military aid, what other levers of pressure remain? Perhaps sanctions or new restrictions?
– Sanctions must be constantly updated, because Russia systematically bypasses them. It is necessary to expand the freezing of Russian assets and more actively confiscate them. In addition, it is necessary to completely abandon the import of Russian gas. And it is very important to create a pan-European program of support for the International Legion of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Ukraine suffers most from a shortage of people. We must simplify the procedure for volunteers from the EU. Now, for example, in Poland you need a separate state permit to fight for Ukraine. We must remove such barriers. There are not many volunteers, but they exist, and we are obliged to help them get to Ukraine.
– Do you support the confiscation of Russian assets in Europe?
– Yes, of course.
– What about Russia’s “shadow fleet,” which is expanding and replenishing the Kremlin’s budget?
– Here a pan-European set of measures is needed: denial of access to ports, prohibition of insurance and repair of ships, satellite monitoring, sanctions against intermediaries. It is impossible to completely stop this fleet, but it is possible to seriously complicate its activities. In addition, this is a reason to update international maritime law: today any vessel can change its flag and do whatever it wants. This has long needed to be changed.
– Recently PACE recognized Russia’s actions as ethnic cleansing, reaching genocide. Would you support such a resolution in Germany?
– Yes, absolutely. We see the deportation of children, the abduction and torture of representatives of society and culture. In every liberated city, torture basements are found. And what is most frightening is what we do not yet see. After de-occupation we will most likely discover even more terrible crimes. Therefore, such a resolution is necessary. I call on colleagues in the Bundestag to support it.
– Are UN missions on monitoring human rights in the occupied territories needed?
– That would be right and necessary. But I doubt that this will happen, since the UN is paralyzed: Russia in the Security Council blocks everything. Sometimes such initiatives even play into the hands of the Kremlin, because they demonstrate its veto power. It is much more useful to strengthen the coordination of intelligence services and collect evidence of crimes — this will help both now and later, in the International Court.
– What about “Rosatom,” which is still not under full sanctions?
– It must be urgently sanctioned. And all state structures of Russia too. When I learn that some companies are still without sanctions, it seems to me that we are being deceived. But, of course, it is necessary to provide an alternative to those EU countries that depend on the fuel and technologies of “Rosatom”: Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Finland. Here cooperation within the EU can be strengthened and the French experience can be used, since France is actively developing nuclear energy.
– Can it be said that the West is united around Ukraine?
– Unfortunately, it cannot be said about the “West” as a whole. The USA today is in crisis, the far right has strengthened there. But the EU countries (almost all), Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Great Britain, Turkey — firmly support Ukraine. This unity has only strengthened. Deliveries of weapons, financial and other aid go daily. We are stronger in military potential, in the economy, and, most importantly, we have a goal — freedom and a future for people, and not profit for dictators. Therefore, we will win.
– Thank you very much, we are waiting for you in Ukraine. We will be very glad to see you.
– Thank you, likewise. See you soon. Glory to Ukraine!
– Glory to the heroes.
Guildhall news agency, exclusive.
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