Resolution on the need for unwavering EU support for Ukraine, after two years of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine

The European Parliament adopted by 451 votes to 46, with 49 abstentions, a resolution on the need for unwavering EU support for Ukraine, after two years of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.

The text adopted in plenary was tabled by the EPP, S&D, Renew, Greens/EFA, ECR groups and Members.

Russia’s actions in Ukraine over the past two years continue to threaten peace and security in Europe and worldwide.

Parliament reiterated its unwavering solidarity with the people and leadership of Ukraine and its support for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, within its internationally recognised borders. It demands that Russia and its proxy forces cease all military actions and that Russia withdraw all military forces, proxies and military equipment from the entire internationally recognised territory of Ukraine. It also demanded that the settlement of Russian citizens in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine cease and be reversed.

Military support

The resolution underlined that the main objective is for Ukraine to win the war against Russia, which entails driving all the forces of Russia and its proxies and allies out of the internationally recognised territory of Ukraine. It considers that this objective can be met only through the continued, sustained and steadily increasing supply of all types of conventional weapons to Ukraine, without exception.

In this regard, Member States are called on to substantially increase and accelerate their military support, in particular the provision of weapons and ammunition in response to clearly identified needs, with a view to not only allowing Ukraine to defend itself against Russian attacks, but also to enabling it to regain full control over its entire internationally recognised territory. Parliament underlined that Ukraine is in particular need of sophisticated air-defence systems, long-range missiles such as TAURUS, Storm Shadow/SCALP and others, modern combat aircraft, various types of artillery and ammunition (155 mm in particular), drones and weapons to counter them. Members support the proposal that all EU Member States and NATO allies should support Ukraine militarily with no less than 0.25 % of their GDP annually and called for an overall increase in the financial ceiling of the European Peace Facility.

Trade

Parliament supported the Commission proposal to renew the suspension of import duties and quotas on Ukrainian exports to the EU. It urged the Commission to address any reports of market disruption caused by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and the trade benefits conceded to Ukraine.

Accession process

Parliament welcomed the European Council’s decision to open accession negotiations with Ukraine once the Commission’s recommendations are met. It calls on the Council and the Commission to set out a clear pathway for the accession negotiations, focusing on providing tangible benefits for Ukrainian society and citizens from the start of the process. Particular attention should be paid to the respect for the rule of law, fundamental values, human rights, democracy and the fight against corruption.

Ukraine Facility

Parliament pointed to the estimate of the World Bank’s latest Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment of at least EUR 452.8 billion over the next decade for Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction. It called on the EU and its Member States to commit to additional long-term financing for Ukraine, in particular given that the latest US aid package for Ukraine remains blocked in Congress.

Sanctions

The Council is called on to maintain and extend its sanctions policy against Russia and Belarus, while monitoring, reviewing and enhancing its effectiveness and impact. Members called on the Commission and the Member States to ensure the swift implementation and strict enforcement of all 13 packages of sanctions.

The resolution also called for an immediate and full embargo on Russian imports into the EU of agricultural and fishery products, as well as fossil fuels and liquefied natural gas transported by sea through pipelines, and to further decrease the price-cap on Russian petroleum products in coordination with G7 partners in order to stop financing Russia’s war with EU money.

Furthermore, Parliament called for further persons identified by Alexei Navalny’s Anti-Corruption Foundation to be included on the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime and other sanctions lists.