site.btaEP's Subcommittee on Security and Defence Chairperson Stresses Importance of Standing with Ukraine during Visit to Odesa

In an interview with the Bulgarian News Agency, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, chairperson of the European Parliament’s Subcommittee on Security and Defence, stressed the importance of standing with Ukraine. “It is crucial to support Ukraine and show our solidarity,” she said. Strack-Zimmermann visited the Ukrainian city of Odesa on Saturday, leading a European Parliament delegation that included Bulgarian MEP Andrey Novakov.

Speaking about the purpose of their visit, she highlighted the need to show support for Ukraine, adding that this was not the delegation’s first trip to the country. “We are here representing different countries,” she said.

“It is crucial not only to support Ukraine from afar with words but to be here in person, offering economic support and making sure they feel our presence,” Strack-Zimmermann said. “And of course, we support Ukraine’s path to EU membership,” she added.

She was adamant that aid to Ukraine will continue, saying that “this support is very important.”

“As a German, I can say that we are doing a lot, but we could be doing more,” Strack-Zimmermann said. “Many people in Germany protest and call for peace, but they do live in peace. That is why it is important to show them the reality here,” she added.

During their visit, the European delegation met with the head of the Odesa Regional Military Administration, Oleh Kiper. Among the attendees was Svetoslav Ivanov, Consul General of Bulgaria in Odesa, who noted that the visit took place within the framework of European support for cross-border cooperation.

“Together with Bulgarian MEP Andrey Novakov, eight other representatives from various EU member states are here to show their support for Ukraine,” Ivanov said. During one of the meetings, prosecutors from Odesa, Mykolaiv, and Kherson spoke of the war crimes committed in the region, he added.

The delegation’s visit served as a platform to discuss the challenges facing Ukraine, especially in Odesa. Topics included ongoing security threats, frequent missile and drone attacks on port infrastructure, the need for defense support, humanitarian concerns, and economic stability in the south of the country.

The head of the Odesa Regional Military Administration said that they are under drone attacks almost daily. “Our citizens, businesses, and economy are functioning under very difficult conditions,” he noted. Kiper added that more than 300 sites in Odesa have been damaged since the war began.

The historic centre of Odesa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has also suffered damage, Kiper said, adding that Russia is a UNESCO member, but that has not stopped it from shelling this part of the city.

He said that Odesa’s ports handle nearly 80% of logistics for central and eastern Ukraine, adding that “the enemy constantly targets the ports”.

Strack-Zimmermann said that they are monitoring the situation in Ukraine very closely and will continue to do so. She noted that many issues need to be addressed and that is why “it is important for us to be here”.

She said that the meeting with Kiper was important for understanding Ukraine’s security needs, particularly in Odesa. “We are ready to provide the necessary support. We will take your messages back to Brussels, talk to other countries and advocate for what you need,” Strack-Zimmermann said.