Reuten (S&D): “In any case, nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine”

From the correspondent in Strasbourg – Nothing has been defined; rumors and speculation are chasing each other, and the EU stands firmly by Kyiv. Nevertheless, “I cannot rule out a scenario of a Ukraine that gives up territory” within the European Union. “After all, we have the example of Cyprus.” Thijs Reuten, a Dutch MEP from the Socialist Group (S&D) and member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, is beginning to consider all possibilities in the future of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, especially after US President Donald Trump’s expectation of an early end to hostilities.

To a small group of journalists, including Eunews, Reuten reiterated that a Ukraine with borders different from the internationally recognized ones and thus with territorial loss “would not please me,” just as it would not please many in the European Union. Of course, he adds, “If the Ukrainian government were to accept a redefinition of the borders, then it would be different, but we cannot allow the White House or the Kremlin to decide.” Saying it in other words: “Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine”. However, we are discussing scenarios, “and I don’t want to speculate.”

According to Reuten, the line expressed so far on several occasions remains firm: to stand firmly by Ukraine without wavering and in such a way as to put Ukraine in a strong position when the time comes for negotiations. For this reason, he urges people to “pay little attention to what you hear from the White House and focus on what the European Union has to do.”

Considering what has occurred in these years of war, if there are lessons to be learned, the Socialist MEP continues, it is that “from a military point of view, little has been delivered and late,” as seen with promises regarding the supply of one million rounds of ammunition. Furthermore, Reuten complained that as the European Union, “we have been too indecisive.”

From now on, we need to improve and act sooner while reflecting carefully on Ukraine. “I am impressed by the progress made despite the ongoing war,” Reuten acknowledges, speaking of Kyiv’s EU accession process. Ukraine “has accomplished more than Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina have achieved in the last ten years.” It is a way to suggest that the European promise for Kyiv can be fulfilled, even with a Cyprus-style Ukraine.