Sergey Lagodinsky: “Nothing Justifies Failing to Support Ukraine Now”

Member of the European Parliament Calls for Extraordinary Support for Ukraine

In a powerful speech in the European Parliament, Dr Sergey Lagodinsky, Member of the European Parliament for Alliance 90/The Greens and the Greens/EFA Group, called for determined and unwavering support for Ukraine.

During the plenary debate on the European Commission’s report on Ukraine on 7 July 2026, he highlighted the extraordinary conditions under which the country continues to pursue its European path.

While people in Ukraine are exposed to Russian attacks every day, the country is simultaneously implementing reforms, strengthening its anti-corruption system and preparing for membership of the European Union. Not every reform has been completed and not everything is perfect. However, this must not lead Europe to overlook Ukraine’s enormous efforts or the reality of Russia’s war of aggression.

Lagodinsky stressed:

“We are not sitting in Kyiv. We are not being bombed. That is why I do not believe we have the moral right to lecture anyone in the middle of a war.”

Anyone making accusations against people who are fighting for their lives and the lives of their children should first verify the facts, the MEP argued. Ukraine is achieving extraordinary results under extreme conditions. European support must therefore also go beyond what is considered ordinary.

Lagodinsky was particularly clear about military assistance:

“In extraordinary times, and in view of the extraordinary sacrifices we are witnessing, we must also be extraordinary in our support for Ukraine. The best support for accession is support for Ukraine’s defence.”

This is not only about remembering victims of the past. People are being killed by Russia and the Kremlin today. Europe’s responsibility is therefore to protect the people of Ukraine in the present.

The video of the speech:

Longstanding Cooperation with the ISHR

The International Society for Human Rights has been working with Dr Sergey Lagodinsky for some time.

In July 2025, he assumed a political sponsorship for the imprisoned Russian lawyer Alexei Lipzer, who was sentenced to five years in prison because of his professional work for the late opposition politician Alexei Navalny.

Together with the ISHR, Lagodinsky has called for Lipzer’s release and has spoken out against the persecution of lawyers, opposition figures, political prisoners and human rights defenders in Russia.

The ISHR is proud to work with Sergey Lagodinsky as a courageous and reliable partner who clearly addresses human rights violations and consistently defends Ukraine’s freedom and security, including in difficult political debates.