Strasbourg: The European Parliament has passed a pivotal resolution that removes restrictions preventing Ukraine from using Western-supplied weapons against legitimate military targets within Russia. The decision marks a significant shift in the European Union’s stance on Ukraine’s military capabilities amid its ongoing conflict with Russia.
The resolution passed with overwhelming support: 425 votes in favor, 131 against, and 63 abstentions.
What the Resolution States
“Ukraine cannot fully exercise its right to self-defense and remains exposed to attacks on its population and infrastructure,” the resolution declared, emphasizing the vulnerability Ukraine faces without access to expanded military capabilities.
The European Parliament further expressed concerns over insufficient ammunition supplies, stating, “Parliament underlines that insufficient deliveries of ammunition and restrictions on their use risk offsetting the impact of efforts made to date, and deplores the declining volume of bilateral military aid to Ukraine by EU countries.”
MEPs (Members of the European Parliament) reiterated their demand for EU member states to honor their March 2023 commitment to deliver one million rounds of ammunition to Ukraine. They also called for the accelerated delivery of additional weapons, air defense systems, and ammunition, including TAURUS missiles.
“They also restate their position that all EU countries and NATO allies should collectively and individually commit to annual military support for Ukraine of no less than 0.25% of their GDP,” read an official statement from the European Parliament.
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NATO’s Stance on Ukraine Striking Inside Russia
Earlier, NATO’s military committee chief stated that Ukraine has both the legal and military right to strike deep inside Russian territory to gain a combat advantage. This sentiment is shared by several U.S. allies, even as the Biden administration remains hesitant to allow Kyiv to conduct long-range strikes on Russian soil using American-made weapons.
U.S. Restrictions on Ukraine’s Use of American Weapons
While the U.S. has allowed Ukraine to use American-provided weapons in cross-border strikes against Russian forces, it has set limits on firing long-range missiles, such as ATACMS, deep into Russia. U.S. officials argue that Ukraine possesses drones capable of conducting these strikes and that the limited supply of ATACMS should be used strategically.
With winter approaching, Ukraine has escalated its pleas to Washington, seeking the removal of these restrictions as concerns grow over potential Russian advances during the colder months.
