The heads of European parliaments call on their counterparts in the United States to endorse a significant decision: providing Ukraine with the essential funds required to sustain its resistance against Russian aggression.
Ruslan Stefanchuk, the leader of Ukraine’s parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, conveyed on his Facebook page that an open letter has been jointly composed by the speakers of 23 European parliaments and the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola. The letter is addressed to the US House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson.
The collective appeal emphasizes the urgency for Speaker Johnson to present a draft law allocating $60.06 billion in military aid to Ukraine. This financial support is crucial for Ukraine’s efforts against Russian aggression.
Stefanchuk, the instigator of this initiative, expressed his appreciation to fellow parliamentary leaders for their prompt and widespread backing. In the open letter, the parliamentary heads urge their American counterpart to advance the consideration of bill HR 815 on international aid. This bill, already approved by the US Senate on Feb. 13, 2024, allocates $60.06 billion for assisting Ukraine.
Stefanchuk highlighted that, by the procedures of the US House of Representatives, Speaker Johnson possesses the authority to bring the draft law to the forefront for deliberation.
“We have confidence that, under your personal leadership, the Congress will demonstrate a historic bipartisan unity in endorsing collective efforts to aid Ukraine. Consequently, we urge you to take the next crucial step in adopting the historic decision on HR 815. This decision will not only secure US assistance to foreign nations but also provide Ukraine with the indispensable funds required to continue its ongoing struggle,” expressed the letter.
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Signatories to the document include speakers from various European parliaments such as Germany, Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Portugal, North Macedonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, the Czech Republic, and others.
The letter further emphasizes the commitment of the signing countries to augment their support for Ukraine and its Defense Forces, viewing it as a substantial investment in both individual and collective security.
The heads of parliaments assert, “The axis of evil must be defeated, and all perpetrators brought to justice. This will serve as a significant deterrent to further conflict and will restore a sense of control and security to our people.”
The letter is currently open for additional signatures from parliamentary speakers who may choose to join in support of the cause. The full text of the letter is provided below.
