on Russia's coordinated large-scale aerial and missile attacks
Brussels, 3 January 2024: Russia's large-scale barbaric aerial and missile attacks over the past days have been the heaviest since the start of its unprovoked and unjustified aggression and full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Our thoughts are with those injured and all the families and friends whose loved ones paid the highest price for these attacks and Russian aggression. I also pay tribute to the rescue efforts and to Ukraine's brave, resourceful and resilient people.
These combined mass missile attacks on Ukraine, senselessly striking numerous residential buildings and civilian targets demonstrate Russia's total disregard for human life and international rules. If their goal is to break the spirit of Ukrainians and deter international support, they will fail. These savage attacks also confirm that the best way to save lives is continuing all possible support to Ukraine and all its legitimate efforts to defend itself, fully in line with international law.
The EU, its Member States and international partners should continue backing Ukraine and step up the deliveries of air defence systems and ammunitions, as well as drone and intelligence capabilities and continue Russia's diplomatic isolation in international fora. 2024 should be a decisive year. The EU and its partners should approve their planned financial support packages and continue tightening and enforcing sanctions. The key decision on using Russian frozen assets to help Ukraine should also be taken, as called for repeatedly by the European Parliament and the EU-Ukraine Parliamentary Association Committee.
Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP
