On September 19, 2024, the European Parliament in Strasbourg approved a resolution urging EU member states to lift restrictions on the use of Western-supplied arms by Ukraine against legitimate military targets in Russia. The vote resulted in 425 in favor, 131 against, and 63 abstentions.
This non-binding resolution reflects the EU's position during a critical phase of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. It emphasizes that without removing current restrictions, Ukraine cannot fully exercise its right to self-defense.
The resolution also calls on member states to fulfill their commitment from March 2023 to supply one million munitions to Ukraine and to expedite the delivery of arms, including the controversial Taurus missiles.
Additionally, it stresses the need for all EU and NATO members to collectively provide military support to Ukraine amounting to at least 0.25% of their annual GDP.
In related developments, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a visit to Kyiv on September 20, 2024, amidst ongoing military operations in the region.
The resolution further urges member states to maintain and expand EU sanctions against Russia, Belarus, and other countries providing military technologies to Russia, including Iran and North Korea.