The European Parliament has urged European Union member states to remove restrictions on Ukraine’s use of Western-supplied weapons to strike targets within Russian territory. This call came as part of a resolution on continued financial and military support for Ukraine, which was passed during a plenary session in Strasbourg. Out of 619 members of the European Parliament (MEPs) who participated in the vote, 425 supported the resolution, 131 opposed it, and 63 abstained.
The resolution highlights the need for Ukraine to fully exercise its right to self-defense under international law. It argues that limitations on Ukraine’s use of Western weapons hinder its ability to respond effectively to Russian attacks on its people and infrastructure.
Additionally, the European Parliament expressed concern over insufficient military support to Ukraine, emphasizing the need for accelerated deliveries of ammunition and advanced defense systems. The body criticized the declining military aid from EU member states despite earlier commitments, calling on them to fulfill promises made in March 2023, including the delivery of one million rounds of ammunition. The resolution also calls for providing modern air defense systems and Taurus missiles in response to Ukraine’s specific needs.
The resolution underscores the importance of closer air defense cooperation within the EU to protect against threats and calls for greater integration of Ukraine into EU defense and cybersecurity policies as it moves through the EU accession process. It also encourages the establishment of military production facilities in Ukraine, suggesting long-term integration of Ukraine’s defense industry into the EU’s defense infrastructure.
Furthermore, the European Parliament urged member states to pressure Hungary into lifting its blockade on the European Peace Fund and the newly created Ukraine Assistance Fund.
Source: Interfax
