In his recent state-of-the-nation address, President Putin complained that some states pick on Russia, often without an excuse. In line with the Kremlin’s shameless cynicism, this complaint was voiced precisely when 150 000 Russian soldiers were mobilised on Ukrainian borders and in annexed Crimea. When convoys of Russian military vehicles were rushing into Ukraine’s Donbas region. When Alexei Navalny, once already sent to his deathbed by FSB killers, was once again fighting for his life in Putin’s prison. When Czech authorities confirmed the link between Russian military services and the vicious crime that claimed the lives of innocent people. When Ukrainians in the occupied Donbas region are forced into fast-track passportisation, just like people in the Russian-occupied territories of Georgia and Moldova, - stated MEP Viola von Cramon during the plenary session of the European Parliament, speaking on the issue of Russia.

"When the Kremlin is encroaching on the sovereignty of Belarus, while Lukashenko is ready to allow it as long as he keeps his power. When our elections and democracies are under permanent attack by Russian interference and disinformation campaigns. When Russian citizens are constantly denied the fundamental freedoms of speech, association and peaceful assembly.

Are all these reasons not enough to criticise and sanction Russia? Are these, and many more, not enough acts of aggression and bullying against which we all have to take a stand? We cannot afford to be naive when it comes to the Russian Government and Putin’s regime", - stressed MEP Cramon.

source: IPN