unimelb-nlp/MultiEup-v2 huggingface dataset:
Debate: Situation at the Ukrainian border and in Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine
Date: TUESDAY, 14 DECEMBER 2021
Speaker: Michael Gahler
Political group: PPE
Country: Spain
Language: DE

Ja, wir sind jetzt im Abschreckungsmodus. Dieser erneute russische Truppenaufmarsch geschieht unprovoziert, es sei denn, man betrachtet die schlichte Existenz einer unabhängigen Ukraine als Provokation – eines Landes, das sich demokratisch, wirtschaftlich und sozial um Stabilisierung und Entwicklung bemüht.  Putins Mythos der Bedrohung durch die NATO ist hingegen lächerlich. Er weiß das, schon Breschnew wusste das. Die NATO als Bündnis saturierter Demokratien greift niemanden an. Es sind nicht die Waffen der NATO, sondern die Art, wie man sich in Freiheit organisiert, was dann zu einer Provokation wird, wenn das sogar in der Ukraine erfolgreich sein könnte.  Die fortgesetzte Aggression gegen die Ukraine seit 2014 hat die Entschlossenheit der Ukraine, einen funktionierenden demokratischen Staat zu etablieren, nicht beeinträchtigt. Weil hier so eindeutig ist, wer der Aggressor ist, sind Gleichsetzungen von Opfer und Täter auch nicht angezeigt. Deeskalieren muss der Aggressor durch Truppenabzug. Die Ukraine hat alles Recht, sich nach Artikel 51 der UNO-Charta zu verteidigen, und ich bin allen dankbar, die ihr hierbei auch mit Waffen helfen.  Wir werden als EU – koordiniert hoffentlich mit unseren transatlantischen Partnern – zivil auf militärische Aggressionen reagieren, aber effektiv. Und wir sollten die Instrumente dafür schon mal hochhalten. Es wird wehtun, wenn SWIFT abgestellt wird. Den Systemprofiteuren wird es auch wehtun, wenn alle Langzeitvisa abgestellt werden.  Und eins dürfte auch klar sein: Eine Nord-Stream-Pipeline wird nichts liefern, wenn gleichzeitig Krieg geführt wird, denn wir werden nicht den Krieg mit den Einnahmen aus dieser Pipeline finanzieren.
Debate: Situation at the Ukrainian border and in Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine
Date: TUESDAY, 14 DECEMBER 2021
Speaker: Pedro Marques
Political group: S-D
Country: Czechia
Language: EN

Once again, now, Russia is sending strong signals that it may commit yet another violation with a largescale military build-up along the border with Ukraine. Deploying, for the second time this year, about 100 000 soldiers and military equipment at that border, which makes it clear as a threat to Ukraine and a threat to the stability of the region. Whether the intention is a full-scale military invasion or some kind of hybrid attack, or to intimidate and destabilise Ukraine even further, we must not tolerate it.  The European Union, let us be clear, together with its transatlantic partners, must be ready to make full use of severe sanctions that will tell the Russian autocratic regime the price they must pay if they proceed with this line of behaviour.  We therefore call on the European Summit, this Thursday, to prepare a strong package of sanctions, including at least instruments such as the freezing of the European assets of people associated with the Kremlin – and I said, at least.  If Putin and the Russian oligarchy only know the language of power and money, they must know how much they will lose if they do not behave differently from what we have seen these last few weeks and months.  We would like to establish a normal cooperation with Russia. We have sent all the signs in the past, but it would be beneficial for everyone if that could be done with Russia engaging in a completely different path that respects international law and the stability of our neighbourhood. That’s certainly the only condition in which we could establish such a normal cooperation, but we are really far from that at this moment.
Debate: Situation at the Ukrainian border and in Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine
Date: TUESDAY, 14 DECEMBER 2021
Speaker: Petras Auštrevičius
Political group: Renew
Country: Lithuania
Language: EN

Continuous Russian Federation actions by the threatening and destabilising situation in Ukraine must be regarded as a threat to overall European stability and security. By violating international laws and bilateral treaties, Russia proves itself to be unpredictable and an untrustworthy member of the international community. Instead of following rules based on good neighbourly relations, it tries to force others with red lines and ultimatum rhetoric.  Russia’s military build-up on Ukraine’s borders comes at a time of unsettled, assertive and globally growing authoritarianism, which disregards sovereignty and the democratic choices of others. Creeping hybrid strategy, intimidation and military pressure used by Russia, presents a real threat to Ukraine’s sovereignty. Today, as never before, Ukraine needs not only the EU’s understanding and solidarity, but a joint and resolute deterrence and support action. I call on the European Union to come up with a timely decision on the Common Security and Defence Policy mission to Ukraine. We have to use to a full extent the Civilian CSDP Compact tools to translate our partnership into something more tangible everybody understands.
Debate: Situation at the Ukrainian border and in Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine
Date: TUESDAY, 14 DECEMBER 2021
Speaker: Viola Von Cramon-Taubadel
Political group: Verts/ALE
Country: Ireland
Language: EN

As we speak, 100 000 Russian troops are mobilised on the Ukrainian border. Their number is expected to rise dramatically. Those who know Mr Putin know that the run-up to Christmas is a particularly dangerous period. That’s why we need to remain vigilant and resolute. Ukraine is not targeted because it is a danger, but because its people stand up for European values, because they dare to be free and because they want to decide their own fate. Nothing terrifies the Kremlin more than a free, democratic nation on its own borders.  Meanwhile, how do we react? Some still suggest that Nord Stream 2 should continue. The main export of the Kremlin is not gas, oil or arms, but chaos, as one Russian ideologue has openly stated. By increasing our dependency on Russia, we betray our allies and endanger the future of this continent. It is time for our foreign policy to show teeth and speak with bullies in a language they understand, the language of tough sanctions. Punishment of Russia must be unprecedented if it dares to start another war against Ukraine. Cut off Russia from the SWIFT system, scrap Nord Stream 2 and sanction Putin and his entourage. More importantly, show the Kremlin that bullying is counterproductive by advancing partnership with Ukraine every time the Kremlin tries to intimidate it.  Dear colleagues, let’s practice what we preach and show Russia that, in the world of international law, might does not make right. Stand up for Ukraine.
Debate: Situation at the Ukrainian border and in Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine
Date: TUESDAY, 14 DECEMBER 2021
Speaker: Jaak Madison
Political group: ID
Country: France
Language: ET

Eesmärkide osas on üpris lihtne: Venemaa on selgelt öelnud, et soovib saada juriidilist garantiid, et NATO ei võta vastu uusi liikmesriike Venemaa naabrusest, ning ei soovita näha enda piiridele liiga lähedal NATO sõjaväelisi üksusi või relvastust. Sellised nõudmised on saanud võimalikuks eelkõige seetõttu, et Venemaa tunnetab nii USA kui Euroopa Liidu nõrkust. Olgu öeldud, et senini on pea kõik Venemaa etteheited olnud valed ja tegelikkust moonutavad. NATO sõjalised üksused Ida-Euroopas on vaid kaitseks, mitte Venemaa ähvardamiseks. Ainult hull võiks arvata, et Euroopa riikidel või USA-l oleks motivatsiooni sõjaliselt ähvardada Venemaad. Samuti on täiesti absurdsed Venemaa nõuded, et temaga piirnevates riikides ei tohi olla NATO sõjalisi üksusi kaitse eesmärgil või et mõned riigid ei tohiks kunagi saada NATO liikmeks. Kui küsimuse all on Venemaa vägede koondumine Ukraina piiri äärde või agressiivsed sõjaväeõppused Eesti piiri ääres, siis väidab Venemaa, et Venemaa teeb omal territooriumil, mida vaid soovib. Kuid täpselt sama õigus kehtib ka teistele riikidele: kui Ukraina soovib liituda NATO-ga, siis see on tema õigus, kui ka NATO teised liikmed sellega nõus on. Kui Eesti või Poola soovivad oma territooriumil näha liitlasvägesid, siis on see nende õigus ja Venemaal puudub igasugune alus pretensioonideks. Eriti arvestades Venemaa ajaloolist käitumist ja viimase 15 aasta jooksul algatatud sõdu.  Venemaa võiks olla majanduslikult meile väga hea partner ja ka mõnes mõttes liitlane, kui arvestada suhteid Hiinaga. Kuid headeks suheteks peab olema valmidus mõlemal poolel. Venemaa kui kõige suurema territooriumiga riik maailmas peab aru saama, et möödas on eelmine sajand, kui veel kommunistliku terroriga oli võimalik korda saata okupatsioone, massimõrvu või küüditamisi. Venemaa peaks aru saama, et headest suhetest oma naabritega on neil väga palju võita. Kuid selleks, et nad sellest heast võimalusest ka hästi aru saaksid, peaksime meie, see tähendab Euroopa riigid, olema valmis ennast kaitsma ükskõik milliste vahenditega ja praegusel hetkel osutama igakülgset abi Ukrainale. Võtkem siin eeskujuks Soome – riik, mis omab majanduslikult stabiilseid suhteid Venemaaga, kuid samal ajal omab üht parimat armeed Euroopas ja seda kindlasti mitte Rootsi või Norra pärast.
Debate: Situation at the Ukrainian border and in Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine
Date: TUESDAY, 14 DECEMBER 2021
Speaker: Anna Fotyga
Political group: ECR
Country: Denmark
Language: PL

Czym się różni tamten świat sprzed 40 lat od tego, z czym mamy do czynienia w tej chwili? Wówczas kolektywny Zachód był w stanie przekazać jasną i jednoznaczną, wyraźną odpowiedź Kremlowi, komunistycznemu Kremlowi Związku Sowieckiego. O tym, że aneksja Polski spotka się z bardzo istotnymi konsekwencjami. Nie było wówczas mowy o artykule piątym. Byliśmy częścią bloku sowieckiego, a jednak ta groźba była na tyle wyraźna i ta niepewność strategiczna, którą narzucono Związkowi Sowieckiemu, na tyle skuteczna, że my byliśmy pewni, że oni nie wejdą. Ta odpowiedź Zachodu wobec Ukraińców, Ukrainy i adresowana do Federacji Rosyjskiej, do dzisiejszego Kremla powinna być równie jasna: wara od Ukrainy.
Debate: Situation at the Ukrainian border and in Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine
Date: TUESDAY, 14 DECEMBER 2021
Speaker: Mick Wallace
Political group: The Left
Country: Germany
Language: EN

There is, in the form of the 2015 Minsk II agreement, a framework, a pathway to achieve a lasting peace. This solution has been endorsed by the US and the UN and was negotiated between France, Germany, Ukraine and Russia, providing for autonomy for a demilitarised Donbas within Ukraine but guaranteed by international treaty.  This joint motion lays the blame for the lack of progress on Minsk exclusively at Russia’s feet. But this is a fantasy. Russia has engaged seriously with the process, only to have Zelensky’s side repeatedly add extra conditions at the last minute or watch on as ultranationalist militias, who always seem to have a fresh stash of US-made weaponry, repeatedly and blatantly refuse to obey the orders coming from Kiev.  There are serious internal problems in Ukraine, between Ukrainians, about what kind of country they want to build. We cannot simply project all this conflict as somewhat a Russian problem. If we do, we will never understand the dynamics well enough in order to be of any help to the Ukrainian people. In fact, we are more likely to introduce more violence into the region. If we want peace, we need to support a framework where Russia is part of the solution and not always treated as an enemy. We need to open our minds and open our eyes.
Debate: Situation at the Ukrainian border and in Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine
Date: TUESDAY, 14 DECEMBER 2021
Speaker: Kostas Papadakis
Political group: NI
Country: Czechia
Language: EL

Κύριε Πρόεδρε, οι εξελίξεις είναι «κίνδυνος-θάνατος» για τους λαούς: Συγκέντρωση στρατιωτικών δυνάμεων του ΝΑΤΟ, των ΗΠΑ και της ΕΕ σε διάταξη σύγκρουσης και περικύκλωσης της ανταγωνίστρια τους Ρωσίας. Πολεμικές απειλές και προειδοποιήσεις με επιδίωξη την ένταξη της Ουκρανίας στο ΝΑΤΟ, και κλιμάκωση της κούρσας των εξοπλισμών. Ένταση στα σύνορα Λευκορωσίας-Πολωνίας με χιλιάδες εγκλωβισμένους πρόσφυγες, θύματα των ιμπεριαλιστικών επεμβάσεων. Στρατιωτικές ασκήσεις, όπως η Atlantic Resolve, κυριολεκτικά πρόβες πολέμου. Νέα αμερικάνικη βάση στην Αλεξανδρούπολη στρατηγικός κόμβος για την υλοποίηση των επικίνδυνων ιμπεριαλιστικών σχεδίων στην ευρύτερη περιοχή. Συνέχιση της στρατηγικής σχέσης της ΕΕ και των ΗΠΑ με την αστική τάξη της Τουρκίας και υποκριτικές κυρώσεις της ΕΕ για το προκλητικό άνοιγμα των Βαρωσίων στη γραμμή διαιώνισης της κατοχής στην Κύπρο.  Απαιτούμε να σταματήσουν οι ευρωατλαντικές ασκήσεις που στρέφονται κατά της Ρωσίας και άλλων κρατών, να τερματιστεί η κατοχή στην Κύπρο, να εξασφαλιστούν τα δικαιώματα των προσφύγων, να κλείσουν οι αμερικανονατοϊκές βάσεις από την Ελλάδα, που έσπειραν οι κυβερνήσεις της ΝΔ, του ΣΥΡΙΖΑ και του ΠΑΣΟΚ. Καμία αποστολή ελληνικών στρατιωτικών δυνάμεων εκτός συνόρων.
Debate: Situation at the Ukrainian border and in Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine
Date: TUESDAY, 14 DECEMBER 2021
Speaker: Andrius Kubilius
Political group: PPE
Country: France
Language: EN

Mr President, what we are discussing today is not just one more instance of the aggressive behaviour of the Kremlin. It is possible that, in the future, this day will be shown as the day when the geopolitical future of the European Union in the 21st century started to be designed. Putin, who started the war against Georgia in 2008 and against Ukraine in 2014, is now demanding that those countries should not take care of their security, and that the West should abandon them.  Here is the most important question to us, not to Georgians or Ukrainians: are we ready to succumb to the Kremlin’s brutal threats and blackmail on the future of Georgia and Ukraine? Are we ready to take big new steps in the ‘appeasement of Putin strategy’? We know where the appeasement of Hitler brought not only Europe, but the whole world. The appeasement of Hitler came to a culmination when Hitler blackmailed the West on the future of Czechoslovakia and the West succumbed. Now Putin is blackmailing the West on the future of Ukraine. Are we ready to succumb again? If not, than it is not enough just to say that NATO and the EU will not listen to the Kremlin’s demands. It’s time to move forward with the real Euro—Atlantic integration of Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova, starting from the Eastern Partnership Summit, which will start tomorrow, and moving forward with the MAP for NATO membership.  If that is not done, then it will become clear that the future of those countries is being sacrificed for the appeasement of Putin. For the sake of appeasement, there were no decisions made to invite Georgia and Ukraine for the NATO Bucharest Summit in 2008. Because of that, Putin decided that he could start his wars against Georgia and Ukraine. Now we see that the continuation of that appeasement brings only new threats and blackmail and, if we succumb now, we shall be responsible for the recreation of real aggressive Fascism in the 21st century and for all the future tragedies of the European continent.
Debate: Situation at the Ukrainian border and in Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine
Date: TUESDAY, 14 DECEMBER 2021
Speaker: Sven Mikser
Political group: S-D
Country: Hungary
Language: EN

Madam President, the current massing of Russian troops and military equipment on Ukraine’s borders is extremely dangerous and provocative. The situation must be de-escalated quickly in order to avoid catastrophic consequences. I believe that the political solution to this situation is not yet impossible and must be pursued, but the fact that Russia continues to renege on its previous commitments obviously makes it more difficult.  It is clear from the steps of the Russian leaders that they see the aggression they launched in 2014 as an unfinished business. What the EU can and must do is to be firm and consistent in our support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. We must also be strong and consistent in helping Ukraine to boost its resilience against external pressure and provocations. On sanctions, I sincerely believe that Russia’s current leaders are ultimately rational players on the international scene. They have shown they will not shy away from using military means to achieve their goals if, but only if, they believe that the benefits are greater than the costs.  So the task of the international community is to tell them very unequivocally that in case of any military adventure, the price Russia will have to pay is going to be far greater than any possible gain. So yes, the threat of new effective countermeasures, including well-targeted sanctions, can change the Kremlin’s calculus and help avert a military escalation.  And finally, we must also be consistent and resolute in reminding Russia’s president that Ukraine’s geostrategic choices are for the Ukrainians to make, and no third party will ever have a veto in this.
Debate: Situation at the Ukrainian border and in Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine
Date: TUESDAY, 14 DECEMBER 2021
Speaker: Nathalie Loiseau
Political group: Renew
Country: Poland
Language: FR

Madame la Présidente, cela m’attriste de l’entendre et cela m’attriste de le dire, mais en Europe, dans la vie politique française et même dans cet hémicycle, il y a encore, il y a toujours des idiots utiles. Cette expression inventée par Lénine et qui lui a visiblement survécu. En France, Jean-Luc Mélenchon, comme Éric Zemmour, l’extrême gauche comme l’extrême droite, tous deux candidats à l’élection présidentielle, répètent sur l’Ukraine les éléments de langage du Kremlin. Pour eux, il n’y a pas de troupes russes qui se massent à la frontière. Pour eux, la Russie est en droit d’en vouloir à l’OTAN, qui n’aurait pas tenu ses promesses. Pas un mot sur l’annexion de la Crimée, rien sur le Donbass, silence sur les exactions des mercenaires, sur la désinformation massive, aucun respect des aspirations du peuple ukrainien, rien. Dans cet hémicycle, le Rassemblement national nous a habitués à débiter les arguments de Vladimir Poutine avec autant d’empressement que d’enthousiasme. La Crimée? Aucun problème pour Thierry Mariani et ses amis, elle est russe, d’ailleurs ils s’y rendent souvent. Je voudrais donner un conseil à Russia Today: vous pouvez faire des économies et fermer vos bureaux en Europe. Certains politiques européens font parfaitement votre travail à votre place. Un travail de propagande systématique du Kremlin. Et je voudrais dire à l’Ukraine de ne pas s’inquiéter, en tout cas, tant que ces idiots utiles resteront minoritaires en Europe, et ils doivent absolument rester minoritaires. Car nous, la majorité digne de ce Parlement européen, sommes résolument au côté de Kiev, de son aspiration à la démocratie, à l’indépendance, à l’intégrité territoriale. Le temps des impérialismes et des régimes soumis est révolu.
Debate: Situation at the Ukrainian border and in Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine
Date: TUESDAY, 14 DECEMBER 2021
Speaker: Bronis Ropė
Political group: Verts/ALE
Country: Austria
Language: LT

Gerbiama Pirmininke, gerbiamas Komisijos nary, kolegos, Putinas kviečia galingiausias pasaulio šalis dalintis įtakos zonomis. Jis inicijuoja naują Molotovo-Ribentropo paktą ir sako, kad Ukraina priklauso jam. Tai nėra netikėtas manevras. Prie to buvo palaipsniui einama. Kremlius propaganda referendumo Nyderlanduose metu siekė užverti kelius Ukrainai artėti prie Europos Sąjungos. Dabartinis tikslas – neleisti Ukrainai tapti NATO nare. Nepaisant Putino viražų, mes iki šiol nesugebėjome susitelkti ir jo sustabdyti. Pavyzdžiui, 2020 metais iš Rusijos Europos Sąjungos šalys importavo prekių beveik už 108 milijardus eurų. Tapome dar viena nuo Rusijos žaliavų priklausoma šalimi. Kviečiu ne kalbomis, o darbais parodyti, kad Ukraina turi teisę pati rinktis savo kelią.
Debate: Situation at the Ukrainian border and in Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine
Date: TUESDAY, 14 DECEMBER 2021
Speaker: Thierry Mariani
Political group: ID
Country: Croatia
Language: FR

Madame la Présidente, j’ai cherché en vain quel territoire ukrainien était aujourd’hui occupé par la Russie, Madame Loiseau. Oui, il y a un territoire, la Crimée, où les habitants ont fait le choix en 2014 de rejoindre la Russie à travers un référendum gagné avec une écrasante majorité. D’ailleurs, avez-vous vu, Madame Loiseau, une vague migratoire massive en provenance de la Crimée déferler sur l’Europe? Non. Et pourquoi? Vous le savez très bien, parce que ce référendum reflétait la volonté de la majorité de la population.  Dans l’est de l’Ukraine, où la population s’est soulevée contre le gouvernement de Kiev, les habitants attendent que les accords de Minsk leur accordant un statut spécial au sein de l’Ukraine soient enfin respectés. Oui, nous savons tous qu’il y avait une solution pour désamorcer ce conflit ukrainien. Cette solution était l’application pure et simple des accords de Minsk négociés par Mme Merkel et M. Hollande. Malheureusement, ils sont toujours restés lettre morte. Chacun sait que le gouvernement ukrainien et la Rada n’avaient pas l’intention de les appliquer et logiquement, la Russie n’a pas montré plus d’empressement, elle aussi, à les appliquer.  Par exemple, le gouvernement ukrainien n’a toujours pas fait le moindre geste pour tenir ses promesses dans le Donbass, à savoir la mise en place d’un statut garantissant plus d’autonomie. Aujourd’hui, pire, l’Ukraine reprend les accents les plus belliqueux contre les Russes. Faut-il vous rappeler que certains soutiens du gouvernement ukrainien ont les mains pleines de sang? Le sang des dizaines de victimes de l’incendie de la Maison des syndicats d’Odessa, en mai 2014, passé sous silence. Le sang des personnes battues à mort par les milices nostalgiques de M. Bandera, sympathisant nazi notoire. Faut-il rappeler que la crise du Donbass doit son déclenchement à la décision du gouvernement de M. Porochenko de supprimer les langues régionales en 2014, le russe, mais aussi le hongrois, le roumain et même le tatar criméen? Aujourd’hui, 13 000 Ukrainiens, quelles que soient leurs idées, ont perdu la vie dans ce conflit. L’Union européenne doit cesser de se voiler la face en Ukraine. Le dernier rapport de la Cour des comptes de l’Union européenne commence en ces termes, je cite: «L’Ukraine est minée par la grande corruption». Le président Zelensky, qui enchaîne les échecs, joue d’ailleurs sur la montée des tensions pour sauver le peu de popularité qui lui reste. Censure de la presse, dénonciation de faux coups d’État: visiblement, on est prêt à tout pour garantir sa situation. La seule voie pacifique aujourd’hui, c’est le respect des accords de Minsk. C’est le respect que l’Union européenne devrait exiger de toutes les parties pour éviter une nouvelle guerre. Et c’est ce respect dont vous vous moquez, quels que soient vos propos.