Commenting on the hunger strike commenced by Pussy Riot member Nadezhda Tolokonnikova on Monday, in protest at her detention conditions in Mordovia camp, Green MEP Werner Schulz, vice-chair of the EU-Russia parliamentary cooperation committee said: "The description of Nadezhda Tolokonnikova's detention conditions is appalling and the fact she saw no other recourse than go on hunger strike is a major indictment of the Russian authorities.

For this year's Sakharov Prize, the EU Parliament nominated at my suggestion the imprisoned vocal critic of the Kremlin Mikhail Khodorkovsky. His nomination for the Freedom of Thought Prize found broad support in the Russian civil society and opposition.

The European Parliament today adopted a resolution on the Eastern Partnership, and the pressure these countries are facing from Russia. After the vote, Greens/EFA foreign affairs spokesperson Werner Schulz commented: "Russia is flexing its economic and military muscles with its bullyboy political tactics. In the face of this, the EU must urgently show solidarity and political commitment to our Eastern neighbours by strengthening economic ties and relationships in the region."