Croatian MEP Tonino Picula said on Wednesday that Ukraine must not be a playground for Russian military manoeuvres, cyber plots and information manipulation, adding that the EU strongly supported the country's efforts at building stable democratic institutions.

Picula, a member of the Socialists & Democrats group in the European Parliament, was part of a delegation of the Committee on Foreign Affairs who visited Ukraine from 30 January to 1 February, meeting with Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, Parliament Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk and representatives of civil society organisations.

“Ukraine is not a playground for Russian military manoeuvres, cyber plots and information manipulation. It is a country of more than 40 million Europeans who deserve to live in peace, security and prosperity like all other Europeans. Therefore, my political group strongly supports the country’s efforts at building resilient and accountable democratic institutions, achieving economic and social progress for all its citizens, and preserving a stable and prosperous environment in all regions of Ukraine,” Picula said.

The European Parliament mission visited Ukraine at a time when Russia was amassing troops along its border. The MEPs said that their visit was part of a diplomatic effort to de-escalate tension and avoid the disastrous consequences of a possible armed attack. They visited the capital Kyiv and the southeastern city of Mariupol, near the border with Russia.

“That city is under military, political and economic pressure. It’s a port on the Sea of Azov through which wheat and other valuable goods are exported. The Russians have considerably restricted maritime transport there, as a result of which ships are running several days late,” Picula said.

Nathalie Loiseau, a member of the Renew Europe group, said they had decided to visit Mariupol because of “Russia’s military build-up, enhanced naval presence and use of hybrid attacks including cyber and disinformation.”

“In response, the EU will continue to show solidarity with Ukraine and remain united in preparing for the strongest possible response should Russia take further military steps,” Loiseau said.

David McAllister of the European People’s Party said it was important that Ukraine had the support of not only the EU but of other Western allies as well, such as the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.

You cannot threaten your neighbours or another country. You cannot attack another country with an army. We are very concerned about such a scenario, the German MEP said.