Marketa Pekarova-Adamova Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies of the Czech Republic at plenary session

Описание: “The issue of Crimea is a prominent place in the context of the Russian aggression against Ukraine. And we must indeed make sure that it doesn't lose the attention of the world public. We have already done the same mistake in the past.

The occupation of the peninsula in 2014 was supposed to be a wake up call. And it really became a wake up call for some of us. The Ukrainians finally realize that the only language Putin understands is the language of strength and resolve. The came of the crisis of 2014 as unified people capable of strategic decision making.

Unfortunately many of us did not wake up. We started dreaming of a peaceful settlement with Russia. We invited Putin back to the prestigious international organization and conference rooms. And we even build our energy strategies under Russian oil and gas. Can we complain that Putin did not give us enough warning signs and hints of his true nature? Definitely not.

War crimes and human rights violations in the occupied territories started immediately. As well as repressions against religious and ethnic majorities. Militarization of Crimea threatened the world and trade. All of this was well documented. Yet we kept on dreaming.

Now we have a second chance. And it may be our last. We must think and act strategically. Providing Ukraine with military and financial assistance is obviously a priority. But we must also come out of the pause in the accession process of Ukraine and other candidate countries to the EU. It is our duty to work in this direction. Otherwise, we will be helping the Russian dictator.

There is a window of opportunity that will not last forever, as Russia tries to undermine pro-Western democratic governments. There are governments that are ready to implement the necessary reforms. We must be proactive and help them achieve their goals.

Ukrainians sacrifice their lives because they want to be part of the European family of nations. They need proof that their struggle is meaningful. The situation is to some extent the same in other countries, including this region. Unity is the key. This may seem obvious. And our unity has been exemplary so far. But we must be prepared for a long fight.

It will be increasingly difficult to maintain a unified approach, but our unity irritates Putin. He refuses to accept defeat. Instead, he is turning to violence. He is trying to achieve a humanitarian catastrophe. We must never forget this and never allow normalization of relations with those who dare to take political responsibility for aggression. Let me take this opportunity to propose a concrete step: to add a convention that the aggressor must be brought to justice. We need an international tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine. Putin and all involved Russian civilians, military personnel and their proxies responsible for organizing and conducting the war in Ukraine must be brought to justice. This is a matter of principle.

If we do not achieve this goal, the basic international order will be built on civilian blood. Dear colleagues, ladies and gentlemen, when I see you all here, I feel optimistic about victory. I look forward to our next meeting in Crimea.

Crimea – is where the war started. Crimea – is where the war will end. Crimea – is Ukraine.

Slava Ukraine!”