Delegatie Oekraïens parlement ontvangen in gemengde commissie Buitenlandse zaken en Defensie.
Een delegatie van de Rada, het Oekraïense parlement, werd ontvangen in de gemende commissie Buitenlandse Zaken en Defensie van de Belgische Kamer van Volksvertegewoordigers. Ik nam voor mijn fractie het woord. Lees hieronder mijn integrale steunbetuiging.
Thank you for your presence in this House.
As my colleagues, I want to express my support for the courage of the Ukrainian people and my admiration for the courage of the Ukrainian soldiers on the front line. And I also deeply admire the calm and determination of your delegation as well as of other Ukrainian officials on television or on social media. Your dignity in this times of evil attacks and barbarian behaviour by the invaders is impressive. We promise you that both the Belgian government and this Parliament will continue to support your rightfull and just fight against this aggression.
As you know, Belgium is preparing a new package of arms and ammunition delivery to Ukraine. A European-Ukrainian summit will take place on February 3rd. What specifically do you expect from this summit? We speak a lot about the demand for military equipment (and I fully support the delivery of modern tanks), but what about for example humanitarian aid? What are the needs of the Ukrainian citizens you represent? And, as already asked by colleagues, what are the for Ukraine acceptable diplomatic options on the table?
But colleagues, we have to be aware that our Ukrainian friends will answer us that the only way to stop the war is that the last Russian soldier leaves Ukraine. And we have to accept that! It is clear that the Russian Army and its proxys are committing war crimes on a large scale. Thank you for your clear explanation on this. Belgium has a strong tradition in this matter and will of course assist Ukraine in every possible way. Finally, for Belgium and for many of its West-European allies, this war has to be an ultimate wake up call. We need to continue to invest in our military power because strength and military force is the only language totalitarian regimes understand.
I conclude. I wish you and the Ukrainian people all the best in these difficult times and please know that Belgium, Europe and the free world are at your side.
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