LYMEC stresses that the crash of a Malaysian Airlines aircraft in Ukraine and the subsequent loss of lives is primarily a personal tragedy for those affected. Therefore our condolences go out to the friends and families of the 298 people that died in the crash.
Following this deep tragedy, LYMEC underlines the importance of an independent international investigation to determine the causes of the crash. This will enable a decision on this matter. If the investigations show that the plane was indeed shot down, the EU needs to urgently take appropriate actions.
The gradual imposition of sanctions on Russia for their influence in the conflict in Ukraine was an approach which aimed at deescalation of the conflict, but it didn’t deliver the expected results. LYMEC finds unacceptable a war on the borders of European Union. Parts of Ukraine are continuing to be destabilized by different rebel groups, backed by Russian military assistance.
LYMEC President Vedrana Gujic: “The European Union cannot afford to ignore the conflict zone burning on its borders. The EU needs to stand united ‘shoulder to shoulder’ and have a coordinated, efficient and most of all rapid response to deescalate the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. By turning a blind eye and not increasing pressure now, a war seems to become more likely. An active approach to resolving the conflict in Ukraine should be the top priority of European leaders. Avoiding a war is of crucial importance for the European Liberal Youth.”