Petra Bayr

The only reason for Russia’s overnight horrific attack against Ukraine with 656 drones and 73 missiles that killed at least 12, including children, and injured hundreds of civilians is that Putin is a war criminal and loser who has no cards except terror. Moscow is losing on the battlefield. No number of missiles can change this. What we can change is Russia’s ability to continue terror. I urge partners to act, not only condemn. There are concrete steps that can be taken. First. Use the unblocked European Peace Fund to fund the PURL program and buy additional “Patriot” systems and missiles for Ukraine. Advance the anti-ballistic coalition. Increase investment in Ukraine’s long-range capabilities. Second. Ramp up pressure on Russia through new sanctions, travel bans for combatants, the full use of frozen assets, and isolation. Third. Take long overdue strategic steps such as opening EU negotiation clusters for Ukraine. Terrorists in Moscow must realise that their brutal attacks won’t bring them anywhere. That the price for their regime will only increase. That the only way out for Putin is to immediately end this war. Peace efforts will only succeed when they are backed with real pressure on Moscow.