EU lawmakers call for increased global backing for Ukraine

Strasbourg (Eurotoday) – The EU Parliament urged swift international action against Russia, enhanced sanctions, and increased military support for Ukraine.

In a resolution approved on 28 Nov 2024, the EU Parliament denounced Russia’s use of North Korean troops against the Ukrainian army and its testing of new ballistic missiles in Ukraine. MEPs stated recent escalatory measures represent a new stage in the war and a new risk for Europe’s security as a whole, calling on the EU and Ukraine’s other allies to respond accordingly.

How did MEPs call for broader international support for Ukraine?

MEPs insisted that “no negotiations about Ukraine can take place without Ukraine.” They urged the EU to work towards reaching the broadest possible international support for Ukraine and determining a peaceful solution to the war. The EU Parliament also called for the arrangement of the EU and the member states to enforce Ukraine’s Peace Formula and specify the necessary conditions for holding a second Summit on Peace, including committing countries from the Global South.

What further sanctions are needed against countries aiding Russia?

Regarding military support to Russia MEPs denounced Iran, Belarus and North Korea and urged the EU member states to further boost the sanctions regime against these nations. They emphasised that both Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and North Korea’s participation in the war and its nuclear and missile programmes form grave threats to the rules-based international order. 

The resolution also called on Beijing to cease all military or dual-use help it is giving to Russia, adding that a denial to change course risks seriously concerning bilateral EU-China relations. Instead, China could use its considerable influence over North Korea and Russia to help reduce tensions, MEPs expressed.

What military aid does Ukraine need from the EU and NATO?

Moreover, MEPs asked the EU and its member states to boost their military support for Ukraine, including through the provision of aircraft, long-range missiles, including Taurus missiles, modern air defence systems, including Patriots and SAMP/T and ammunition, as well as MANPADS (Man-Portable Air-Defence Systems), guns and training programmes for the Ukrainian army. The resolution stated that all EU member states and NATO allies should devote themselves to helping Ukraine militarily, both collectively and individually, with no less than 0.25% of their GDP annually.