Frozen Russian assets, long-range capabilities, Russia sanctions: MEP speaks of S&D group’s priorities

That’s according to S&D President Iratxe Garcia Perez, who arrived in Kyiv on a first official foreign visit, along with the delegation representing the Alliance, since being re-elected to this post, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

“There are three important proposals from our side. The use of EUR 200 billion worth of frozen (Russian – ed.) assets for Ukraine’s reconstruction. This is something that we insist to the new High Representative Kaja Kallas, that it's important to support Ukraine in its reconstruction by using these frozen Russian assets. It's very important. We ask her to present the relevant proposal which we will support,” Garcia Perez said.

S&D is also “working hard” to facilitate the EU’s common position on the use of long-range weapons by Ukraine, the lawmaker said, adding that the group is aware of the criticality of this request on the part of Ukraine. “We work not only in the European Parliament, we will work with all of our member states, insisting how important is the issue”.

Another track backed by S&D is the 15th package of Russia sanctions. She recalled that before the EU Council meets to discuss the issue, European lawmakers will have a preparatory debate, where S&D will insist on the importance of supporting the new package.

The visit to Ukraine is “a very clear political signal to be here today as a first official mission”, Garcia Perez said, adding that the delegation sends a “principal a message of unwavering support to Ukraine, to make Ukraine stronger” toward any potential peace negotiation.

Iratxe García Pérez leads the Alliance of Progressive Socialists and Democrats, a second-largest political group in the European Parliament which includes representatives from 27 countries.

Earlier today, the delegation from S&D met with Parliament Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.

Photo: S&D, the European Parliament