Ukraine and Eastern Europe

This week marks the fourth anniversary of Russia’s unprovoked attack and invasion of Ukraine, sparking a deadly European war. Despite the fact that only Ukrainian soldiers are fighting the Russian aggression, this war is a European war. Its outcome will have consequences throughout the continent. This has been a deadly war. Tens of thousands of soldiers on both sides have been  killed. Hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians have been displaced. The cost of the war unleashed by Vladimir Putin, in human, social and financial terms have been enormous, and cannot be accurately calculated as long as the fighting continues. The war in Ukraine must end this year! This can only happen if there is enough pressure on Putin’s Russia. Europe must sustain and increase its support for Ukraine. Fortunately leaders of the main European governments: France, Germany, UK and Poland are convinced of the importance of this, but they need to ensure the resolve of others, and of the European public. The support of the US is essential. Trump can end the war, not by agreeing to Russia’s terms, but by increasing pressure on Russia. There is still widespread support for Ukraine in American body-politic. Now is the time to show it. Ones the fighting stops the challenging task of rebuilding Ukraine – not just the infrastructure, but also the spirit of the Ukrainian nation – starts. In this Europe must lead, and EU accession is major and essential step that must happen quickly. Ukraine is a big country, damaged by war, and the EU will not digest it easily. For Europe however this is the ultimate test which it must pass honourable. And finally, once the guns are silent, what to do with Russia. Russia is too big, too important, and too close, to be ignored. However, under Putin Russia will remain a danger for its neighbours, for Europe, and ultimately, for the world. Relations with Russia will have to be re-invented. Europe must never again deal with Russia from a position of weakness or dependence. The decision of Finland and Sweden to abandon neutrality and join NATO, after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, has shown the way. A strong Europe can open a new dialogue with Moscow. But after Ukraine, trust will take a long time to build. (click the image to read the full Monday Commentary).

Ukraine’s Ministry of Energy and Western partners have agreed to allocate more than €600 million in support for Ukraine’s energy sector following a meeting in Paris, according to Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal. The funding package includes more than €250 million in contributions to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund, a separate United States assistance programme worth $276 million through the SPARK project, and €71 million in humanitarian energy assistance from France to be provided during 2026. The Paris meetings brought together representatives of the European Union, the United States, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Canada, Latvia, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Finland, and France. The support comes as Ukraine faces urgent needs to expand its energy generation capacity. Ukrainian officials have said that around 9.5 GW of new capacity will be required in the near future to stabilise the country’s energy system.