The European Parliament today adopted a resolution on the anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, where it calls for military assistance to Ukraine as much as needed, and also appeals to the EU member states to seriously consider sending Western fighter jets to Ukraine, reports the website of the Euro Institute.
In the resolution, on the anniversary of Russia's war against Ukraine, MEPs strongly condemn Moscow's aggression and confirm their unwavering solidarity with the people and leadership of Ukraine.
The MEPs also note that Russian assets frozen by the EU should be used to restore Ukraine, and EU sanctions against Moscow and its allies should be significantly expanded.
In addition, it is mentioned that Ukraine, the European Commission and the Council of the EU should work to start accession negotiations this year.
The resolution was adopted by 444 votes to 26 "against" and 37 abstentions.
Call for fighters
MEPs confirm their support for providing military aid to Ukraine as long as it is necessary, and call for serious consideration of the supply of Western fighter jets and helicopters, the corresponding missile systems and a significant increase in the supply of ammunition to Kyiv.
"Ukraine must be able not only to defend itself, but also to restore full control over its entire internationally recognized territory," the MEPs noted.
New sanctions and confiscation of Russian assets to restore Ukraine.
The resolution calls on EU member states to adopt the tenth package of sanctions against Russia and its allies by the end of February and significantly expand its scope. It also calls on the EU, member states and their allies to make the sanctions already in place more effective and to take urgent steps to block any attempts to circumvent these restrictive measures.
Looking ahead, the members of the European Parliament demand that the work on the legal regime, which allows the confiscation of Russian assets frozen by the EU, be completed. These assets should then be used to rebuild the country and pay compensation to war victims. They also note that after the end of the war, Russia will have to pay serious reparations in order to make a significant contribution to the reconstruction of Ukraine.
The beginning of negotiations with Ukraine on joining the EU
The European Parliament also emphasizes that Russia's aggressive war has fundamentally changed the geopolitical situation in Europe, "which requires the EU to make bold, courageous and comprehensive political, security and financial decisions." In this context, the members of the European Parliament once again declare their support for the decision of the European Council to grant Ukraine the status of a candidate for EU membership last summer. They also call on Ukraine, the European Commission and the Council of the EU to work towards the start of this year's negotiations, while stressing that EU accession also remains a process based on merit, with compliance with relevant procedures and conditional criteria.
