Nicolas Schmit, the current European Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights and candidate for the position of President of the European Commission from the Party of European Socialists, compared Putin to Stalin and called for increased aid to Ukraine. He noted that if Ukraine is not supported now, the Russian army could end up at the borders of the EU. Schmit made this statement during debates in the European Parliament.
Peace on Putin’s Terms Is Impossible
Nicolas Schmit reminded that Russians continue to carry out massive strikes on civilian targets in Ukraine.
“Look at what happens every night in the skies over Ukraine: the bombing of children, the bombing of hospitals. They bomb civilian facilities, homes. Russians are destroying ordinary houses in Ukraine. And if we do not bravely support Ukraine, we know that Russians will be directly at our borders,” Schmit said.
The candidate for the position of President of the European Commission says that the Russian government has already shifted its economy to a war footing, with all funds allocated to defense. Nicolas Schmit says that Europe would like to see peace in Ukraine, but not on the terms set by the Russian president. “Yes, everyone would like to have peace. But on what terms? On Putin’s terms, which say ‘what’s mine is mine, and what’s yours is negotiable.’ This is Stalin, and we cannot make such a deal,” he said.
Note. On June 15-16, a peace summit will take place in Switzerland, with participation from 80 to 100 countries.
Why Russia Will Not Be at the First Peace Summit
- Volodymyr Zelensky explained that Ukraine opposed Russia’s participation in the peace summit, as the Kremlin would only disrupt the process.
- The President noted that the Russians have their own plan to end the war, which they present as an ultimatum.
- Currently, the summit’s goal is to develop a common position among countries on three key issues, and then inform Russia about it. It is essential to prevent the aggressor from dominating these issues.
- Once countries support and develop a technical step-by-step plan, they will begin communicating with Russian representatives in various venues. In this case, the Kremlin will be responding to the majority of the world.”
