EPP President Weber: Treason charges against Poroshenko groundless, undermine national unity
In connection with the decision of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine (NSDC) to impose sanctions against the leader of the European Solidarity party, Petro Poroshenko, and accuse him of treason, President of the European People's Party Manfred Weber issued a statement calling the charges politically motivated and calling on President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to reconsider this decision and avoid actions that undermine unity in the country.
"It is with great astonishment that I learned of yesterday's decision by the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, signed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, which could lead to the arrest and imposition of restrictive measures against former President of Ukraine, leader of the EPP-associated member European Solidarity party, Petro Poroshenko. While we await further details and the full publication of the arguments, we remind of the urgent need to retain unity in Ukraine in this crucial phase of the war and international efforts to end it. In such situation partisan considerations and tactics ahead of possible elections are totally inappropriate," Weber said in a statement distributed in Brussels on Thursday.
He noted that "instead of labelling him as a traitor, I highlight the invaluable service Poroshenko has provided to Ukraine, particularly in building a strong army and preparing the country for effective defense."
"Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, over UAH 6.2 billion have been sent by Poroshenko's team to support the Armed Forces. The accusations of high treason against Ukraine’s fifth President – who has stood firm against the Russian aggression since 2014, strengthened the Ukrainian Armed Forces, secured the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement, and contributed to consolidating Ukrainian national identity – are baseless and appear to be solely politically motivated. On behalf of my political family, I urge the President of Ukraine to reconsider this decision and avoid actions that undermine the urgently needed national unity, to achieve a strong negotiation position towards the aggressor and confirm Ukraine's aspirations for EU accession," the EPP leader said.
He also called on European Council President Antonio Costa, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola and member parties "to join us in defending unity in Ukraine."
The EPP is the largest and most influential political force in the EU.