Parliament discusses the latest developments in war-torn Ukraine, as well as future efforts to reconstruct the country sustainably.The joint debate covers several issues, with MEPs zooming in on the recent destruction of the Nova Kakhovka dam that crossed the Dnipro river in an area of southern Ukraine controlled by Russian forces, with Kyiv and Moscow so far blaming each other. Extracts from the debate.

EU - Ukraine (T)

Strasbourg

debate

plenary session

troubles in Ukraine (T)

solidarity with Ukraine (T)

consequences of the war in Ukraine (T)

Ukraine - destruction of the Nova Kakhovka dam/sustainable reconstruction: extracts from the debate

SOUNDBITE (English), Jessika ROSWALL, Council, The destruction of the Kahkovka, the hydroelectric power plant on June 6th would not have happened if Russia had not started its illegal war of aggression against Ukraine.

SOUNDBITE (English), Jessika ROSWALL, Council,This ecological and environmental catastrophe will take years to rapidly repair and those responsible need to be held to account for this and for and as well for other war crimes in connection with the Russian aggression.

SOUNDBITE (English), Valdis DOMBROVSKIS Executive Vice-President of the Commission, To date, 14 Member States and Union Civil Protection Mechanism. Participating states have offered assistance to Ukraine. This includes 76 boats, over 300 water pumps and over 160,000 shelter items.

SOUNDBITE (English), Valdis DOMBROVSKIS Executive Vice-President of the Commission, Ukraine will need additional support this year, in particular for its rapid recovery needs. The rapid damage and needs assessment has estimated its immediate rapid recovery needs for 2023 at $14 billion

SOUNDBITE (English), Valdis DOMBROVSKIS Executive Vice-President of the Commission, It sends a message to Ukraine and our international partners that the EU is ready to ensure sustainable and predictable financial support beyond 2023. The EU will play a special role for Ukraine's reconstruction, and the reconstruction efforts need to go hand in hand with the reforms to build a modern and resilient country that is resolutely turned towards the EU.

SOUNDBITE (English),  Rasa JUKNEVIČIENĖ (EPP, LT), The EPP expects that the upcoming Vilnius and Washington summits pave the way to extend an invitation to Ukraine to join NATO, and that the accession process will start after the war is over and be finalised as soon as possible.

SOUNDBITE (English),Pedro MARQUES (S&amp;D, PT), Strong European support will be key for the reconstruction and a meaningful recovery process, and for that we need to find the money. Billions of euros will be needed and we should certainly start sooner than later by creating the legal basis, Mr. Vice President, to finally use the money confiscated from Putin and his regime for this reconstruction of Ukraine.

SOUNDBITE (English), Petras AU&Scaron;TREVIČIUS (Renew, LT), Ukraine and its people heroically fighting for their sovereign future. They also defend our shared values and freedoms in resisting Russia's destructive aggression. Ukraine needs not only the help of all of us, but also our backing to become a full member of Euro-Atlantic community. A deserving member of the European Union and NATO.

SOUNDBITE (English), Viola VON CRAMON-TAUBADEL Verts/ALE They've blown up the dam because they're on the retreat. The only goal is to have a scorched earth policy. That is the start of the end. When their defence lines give way, the Putin regime will fall apart. The Russia must be made accountable for all the crimes. In the meantime, Ukraine will not only prevail, they will prosper not because the footballers won against Germany. Ukraine will be a win for for NATO and the EU. This day will arrive.