STRASBOURG (FRANCE) (ITALPRESS) – In a nonlegislative resolution passed by 390 votes to 135 with 52 abstentions, the European Parliament condemned Russia’s use of North Korean troops against the Ukrainian military and its testing of new ballistic missiles in Ukraine. These recent events represent a new phase in the war and a new risk to Europe’s security, MEPs say, calling on the EU and Ukraine’s other partners to respond accordingly.Insisting that “no negotiations on Ukraine can take place without Ukraine,” MEPs urge the EU to work to gain the broadest possible international support for Ukraine and find a peaceful solution to the war. Parliament calls for the commitment of the EU and member states in implementing Ukraine’s peace formula and creating the necessary conditions for the holding of a second Peace Summit, including involving the countries of the Global South.Denouncing Iran, Belarus and North Korea for their military support to Russia, the European Parliament urges member states to further strengthen the sanctions regime against these countries. They emphasize that both Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and North Korea’s participation in the war and its nuclear and missile programs pose serious threats to the international order.MEPs also call on Beijing to end all military assistance or dual-use material it is giving to Russia, adding that refusal to change course risks seriously undermining EU-China bilateral relations. On the other hand, China could use its significant influence over North Korea and Russia to help reduce tensions, the MEPs argue.In the resolution, the EU Council is asked to extend sanctions on Russia, particularly in sectors of particular economic importance, such as metallurgical, nuclear, chemical, agricultural and banking, as well as raw materials.MEPs call on the EU and its member states to strengthen their military support for Ukraine, including through the provision of aircraft, long-range missiles, including Taurus missiles, modern air defense systems, including Patriots and Samp/Ts, man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS), ammunition and training programs for Ukrainian forces.The resolution also proposes that EU countries and NATO allies pledge to support Ukraine militarily, both collectively and individually, with no less than 0.25 percent of their annual GDP.Members welcome U.S. President Joe Biden’s decision to allow Ukraine to use advanced missile systems on military targets inside Russian territory and call on EU countries to do the same. Emphasizing the common strategic interest in supporting Ukraine, they finally call on the EU and its member states to engage with the incoming administration in Washington to strengthen transatlantic cooperation.
– IPA Agency Photos –
(ITALPRESS).
