Ukraine war: Is the EU doing enough? – Interview with Roberta Metsola | DW News

Roberta Metsola, the president of the European Parliament, told DW that she saw courage and resilience in Volodymyr Zelenskyy's eyes on her visit to Kyiv hours before the world saw the images of deceased civilians on the streets of Bucha.

"I also saw the face of a leader that would like more from the European Union, from leaders," Metsola said.

She added, "That is why I went there in order to talk face to face with him, to see how myself as leader of the European Parliament, but also all of us as a European Union, can continue to help."

Zelenskyy's response, in Metsola's words, was: "We need more help more urgently. We need more arms. We need more military help, financial help and logistical help."

In the European Parliament, Metsola said that there was a mood of "unprecedented unity" over Ukraine.

The EU candidate status of Ukraine, the quick removal of Russia from the SWIFT system and the first and second round of sanctions packages and financial assistance were voted on "at lightning speed."

Metsola noted, "I think these days are crucial. This week is crucial in order to make sure that the Ukrainians continue to have the possibility to fight. They are fighting not only for their country, they are fighting for Europe."

For this reason, Metsola argued, "We do not want to remain dependent on Russian oil, coal but also gas."

"I am one of those generation that did not grow up with war in this continent," Metsola said, adding, "I would never have dreamt of a war in Europe. But we are living a war and our decisions these few days will be testament to our courage to make sure our children will not live through war again."

Because of these conditions, Metsola concluded, "We need to have all the arsenal, if I can use that word, whether it's political, economical or military, in order to have tools in our hands to fight it."

Metsola only took up the post in the last month, following the death her predecessor, David Sassoli. DW's Barbara Wesel conducted the interview.

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