European Parliament calls for more military support for Ukraine amid China and North Korea involvement

In a resolution adopted on Thursday, the European Parliament condemned Russia’s use of North Korean troops against the Ukrainian army and its testing of new ballistic missiles in Ukraine. These recent escalatory steps represent a new phase in the war and a new risk for Europe’s security as a whole, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) said, calling on the EU and Ukraine’s other partners to respond accordingly.

Insisting that “no negotiations about Ukraine can take place without Ukraine”, MEPs urged the EU to work towards achieving the broadest possible international support for Ukraine and identifying a peaceful solution to the war. The Parliament called for the engagement of the EU and Its member states in implementing Ukraine’s Peace Formula and establishing the necessary conditions for holding a second Summit on Peace, including by engaging countries from the Global South.

The resolution demands the Council to extend its sanctions against Russia; particularly against sectors of special economic importance, such as the metallurgical, nuclear, chemical, agricultural and banking sectors, and on Russian raw materials.

MEPs asked 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 defence systems, including Patriots and SAMP/T and ammunition, and MANPADS (Man-Portable Air-Defence Systems), artillery and training programmes for Ukrainian forces.

Denouncing Iran, Belarus and North Korea for their military support of Russia, MEPs urged EU member states to further strengthen the sanctions regime against these countries. 

MEPs also called on Beijing to end all military or dual-use assistance it is giving to Russia, adding that a refusal to change course risks seriously affecting bilateral EU-China relations. Instead, China could use its significant influence over North Korea and Russia to help reduce tensions, they say.

The resolution was adopted by 390 votes in favour, 135 against with 52 abstentions.

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