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Friday, Mar 14, 2025
Outside the box.
European Parliament Reaffirms Support for Ukraine Amid Ongoing Conflict
MEPs call for enhanced security assistance to Kyiv and criticize Washington's approach to Moscow.
Brussels – The European Parliament has reaffirmed its support for Ukraine in light of ongoing hostilities resulting from the Russian invasion, emphasizing the necessity for a comprehensive and enduring peace settlement.
The non-binding resolution, approved on March 12 during a plenary session in Strasbourg, calls for the European Union to continue its backing of Ukraine.
This support includes providing solid security guarantees and significantly increasing necessary assistance to the country.
MEPs underscored that the Ukrainian leadership should not be coerced into a position of surrender.
The resolution advocates for the EU's role in establishing a new continental security architecture and proposes the formation of a ‘Coalition of the Willing’ under Franco-British leadership to deploy an interposition force to Ukraine.
The parliament also directed pointed criticism at the recent actions of the United States, urging stricter sanctions against Russia and the confiscation of frozen assets to fund Ukraine's reconstruction efforts.
It expressed concern over perceived pressure from Washington on European and Ukrainian allies, even as discussions continue regarding potential ceasefire terms between Ukraine and Russia.
The resolution was met with broad support, passing with 442 votes in favor, 98 against, and 126 abstentions.
The coalition behind the resolution included the European People's Party (EPP), the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D), the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR), the Renew Europe group, and the Greens.
Notably, internal divisions were apparent among Italian MEPs.
While the Forza Italia (FI) party demonstrated unanimous support for the resolution, the Democratic Party (PD) exhibited fractures, with delegation head Nicola Zingaretti dissenting and several members abstaining.
The right-wing parties, including the League (Lega) and the Brothers of Italy (FDI), largely opposed the resolution.
Amendments to the text included an expression of support for a joint statement made by Ukraine and the United States during recent talks in Saudi Arabia.
The resolution highlighted the necessity for any ceasefire to be effective only if the aggressor fully adheres to its terms, reiterating the expectation that Russia should immediately cease all attacks on Ukrainian civilians, infrastructure, and territory.
The non-binding resolution, approved on March 12 during a plenary session in Strasbourg, calls for the European Union to continue its backing of Ukraine.
This support includes providing solid security guarantees and significantly increasing necessary assistance to the country.
MEPs underscored that the Ukrainian leadership should not be coerced into a position of surrender.
The resolution advocates for the EU's role in establishing a new continental security architecture and proposes the formation of a ‘Coalition of the Willing’ under Franco-British leadership to deploy an interposition force to Ukraine.
The parliament also directed pointed criticism at the recent actions of the United States, urging stricter sanctions against Russia and the confiscation of frozen assets to fund Ukraine's reconstruction efforts.
It expressed concern over perceived pressure from Washington on European and Ukrainian allies, even as discussions continue regarding potential ceasefire terms between Ukraine and Russia.
The resolution was met with broad support, passing with 442 votes in favor, 98 against, and 126 abstentions.
The coalition behind the resolution included the European People's Party (EPP), the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D), the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR), the Renew Europe group, and the Greens.
Notably, internal divisions were apparent among Italian MEPs.
While the Forza Italia (FI) party demonstrated unanimous support for the resolution, the Democratic Party (PD) exhibited fractures, with delegation head Nicola Zingaretti dissenting and several members abstaining.
The right-wing parties, including the League (Lega) and the Brothers of Italy (FDI), largely opposed the resolution.
Amendments to the text included an expression of support for a joint statement made by Ukraine and the United States during recent talks in Saudi Arabia.
The resolution highlighted the necessity for any ceasefire to be effective only if the aggressor fully adheres to its terms, reiterating the expectation that Russia should immediately cease all attacks on Ukrainian civilians, infrastructure, and territory.
