European Parliament President Roberta Metsola: No one wants to see Putin in Kyiv.

The question of whether peace in Ukraine has become closer amidst numerous meetings and negotiations, the role of the European Union in peaceful resolution, and the EU's ability to defend itself independently of the US, – in an interview with the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, for RBC-Ukraine.

In the last few days, the intensity of diplomacy surrounding the Russian-Ukrainian war has reached an unprecedented level. In fact, new visits, meetings, and negotiations occur almost daily.

The topic of Ukraine has predictably become central at the most respected global security forum – the Munich Conference. However, despite all this activity, no one has yet gained a clear understanding of how, when, and under what conditions the war will end.

On the other hand, Europeans have suddenly recognized their own vulnerability to external threats – as the new American administration explicitly states that it will deprive Europeans of their traditional security umbrella.

As noted in the interview with RBC-Ukraine by the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, strengthening its defense is the main priority for the EU, and if necessary, Europe "will be ready."

– Overall, after the Munich Conference, do you feel that peace in Ukraine has become closer?

– We all strive for peace in Ukraine. There have been many discussions, and there is a certain movement in this direction. Ultimately, it is up to Ukraine to decide when the appropriate conditions for starting peace negotiations will arise. And when that time comes, Ukraine will determine what peace will look like. Nothing about Ukraine can be decided without Ukraine. The EU will stand by Ukraine just as it has from the very beginning.

We will support any peace plan that is fair, sustainable, and serves Ukraine's interests. But it is also clear that the EU must be at the center of this process. The Russian threat extends beyond Ukraine, so true peace cannot simply be a ceasefire that rewards the aggressor. It must be unequivocally clear to Russia that it will never be able to attack again – neither Ukraine, nor Europe, nor its neighbors.

– The US claims that there is no place for the EU at the negotiating table (but its voice will be considered), while insisting that Europe must provide Ukraine with security guarantees in the event of peace. Do you not see contradictions here? And how should the EU act in light of such rhetoric from Washington?

– I believe that a just and lasting peace in Ukraine also serves the interests of the United States. No one wants to see Putin in Kyiv. Regarding security guarantees, it is extremely important for the international community, which shares common values, to present a united front, and Europe bears a special responsibility in this regard.

We have already done our part and will continue to do so. To date, the EU has provided 135 billion euros in assistance to ensure Ukraine's financial stability and defense – more than any other ally.

The security of Ukraine is the security of Europe, and that is why the EU must play a central role in peace negotiations. I think this is widely recognized. However, to act from a position of strength, we must strengthen our own defense capabilities. If we take our security seriously, our financial commitments must align with the threats we face.

Last year, Russia's defense budget increased by 42% and reached 430 billion euros, while the European budget, including the UK, grew by only 12% – to 425 billion euros. Our voters already expressed their position in the elections last June. They want us to act faster, more decisively, and, above all, with confidence.

– According to NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, Europe must "forge its way" to the negotiating table. How does the EU plan to do this?

– This brings us back to my point about the need to increase European defense spending and bolster self-confidence. Right now, we must demonstrate leadership and, most importantly, unity. We have already shown this unity by unanimously adopting fifteen packages of sanctions against Russia, and we must do it again. We will be strong and influential only when we speak with one voice.

The future of Ukraine needs to be secured now, and this responsibility lies entirely with Europe. As a candidate country for EU membership, Ukraine shares a common future with us, so we are invested in ensuring its security and stability. If we can maintain unity, we will become a powerful partner at the negotiating table.

– What security guarantees can Europe provide to Ukraine? Will they be sufficient if the US, on its part, is unwilling to provide guarantees to Ukraine?

– People expect Europe not only to speak candidly but also to act decisively. We must enhance our security by investing more in defense capabilities, while simultaneously making them more effective. We can start by improving what already exists – the 27 European armies that need to work together more cohesively. For this, our armed forces must become more integrated, ensuring seamless cooperation and increasing effectiveness. This will strengthen our ability to deter threats and protect Europe. The time for relying on others has passed.

To date, we have mobilized 48.5 billion euros for critical military assistance to strengthen Ukraine's defense, delivered over a million munitions, and are currently training 75,000 soldiers. Additionally, we will continue to direct revenues from frozen Russian assets towards further enhancing Ukraine's defense capabilities and funding the urgent restoration of energy infrastructure. At the same time, we are deepening the integration of European and Ukrainian defense industries to ensure resilience and security in the long term.

So, we are already taking action, but we must, of course, assess the situation and be ready to provide all necessary security guarantees to ensure lasting peace. This is a crucial moment, and Europe will fulfill its role.

– Will Europe be ready to confront threats from China or Russia independently if the US decides to reduce its contribution to collective security?

– Strengthening our defense and security is our top priority. In recent years, we have increased joint defense spending by 30% and made significant progress in joint defense procurement and expanding ammunition production. Through the European Defense Fund, we support member states in developing innovative and compatible defense technologies and equipment.

Moreover, we now have our first European Commissioner for Defense, and the European Parliament has elevated the status of its defense subcommittee to a full committee. These were important steps, but we need to do even more, and we will.

Our real issue is fragmentation. While the US uses 30 weapon systems, Europe has 178. Fragmentation leads to higher costs and inefficiency. We need a single market for the defense industry. As Prime Minister Tusk aptly noted: "the time for geopolitical outsourcing is over."

So, to answer your question: we will be ready.

– US Vice President JD Vance stated that the threat does not come from China or Russia, but is internal to Europe – in Europe's retreat from some of its core values shared with the United States. What is your opinion on such statements, and why do you think Americans have decided to convey such messages? What is the reason for the rise of populists in Europe, who are openly supported by Trump's team?

– I respectfully disagree with Vice President Vance's assessment of the state of our democracy. And let me clarify this: Europe is a continent of free speech. Millions of Europeans grew up behind the "Iron Curtain," which deprived them of this freedom. We know what it means to live without freedom.

At the same time, the Vice President rightly pointed out that we are facing a new political reality where people are increasingly gravitating towards extreme political positions, and we should ask ourselves – why? Perhaps we have become too complacent, thinking that voters will always support traditional parties regardless of the circumstances. But now we see changing trends. As a parliament, we have already noticed this during last year's European Parliament elections.

It is extremely important to analyze these changes, draw conclusions, and adapt. We must regain voters' trust so that they once again believe in the ability of traditional parties to improve their lives – to make them a little easier, fairer, and wealthier. The only way to counter the simplistic and manipulative narratives promoted by extreme political forces is to deliver on our promises by offering clear, concrete, and sustainable solutions. This is our task for the coming years.