European Parliament marks third anniversary of war with resolution supporting Ukraine

According to Ukrinform, 442 MEPs voted in favor of the resolution, 98 voted against the document, and 126 abstained. The document was adopted following an attempt to delay the vote, considering the progress made between Ukraine and the United States in Saudi Arabia regarding peace settlement.

"[The European Parliament] pays tribute, on the third anniversary of Russia's full-scale aggression against Ukraine, to the thousands who have sacrificed their lives for a free and democratic Ukraine; reiterates its unwavering solidarity with the people of Ukraine and its support for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, within its internationally recognized borders; strongly underlines Ukraine's inherent right to self-defense in line with Article 51 of the UN Charter," the document states.

MEPs condemned in the strongest possible terms Russia's illegal, unprovoked and unjustifiable war of aggression against Ukraine, as well as of the involvement of Belarus, North Korea and Iran. They called on Russia and its proxy forces "immediately completely and unconditionally cease all attacks against residential areas and civilian infrastructure, terminate all military action in Ukraine and withdraw all military forces, proxies and military equipment from the entire internationally recognized territory of Ukraine."

The resolution notes that Russia's full-scale aggression against Ukraine poses an existential threat to European security and stability, fundamentally altering the geopolitical situation in Europe and beyond, which requires bold, brave and comprehensive responses from the EU.

"[The EP] believes that a Ukraine that is capable of defending itself effectively is an integral part of a stable and predictable European security landscape," the document reads.

The lawmakers expressed concern over shifts in the U.S. position regarding Russia's war of aggression, particularly the open accusations against Ukraine for continuing the war, as well as the suspension of military aid from the U.S. and pressure on Ukraine to make territorial concessions. The members emphasized that the EU and its member states remain the largest strategic donor for Ukraine and will increase military and post-war reconstruction aid to compensate for the reduction of such support from the U.S.

Meanwhile, during the vote, European lawmakers adopted an amendment to the resolution proposed by MEP Michael Gahler (EPP) welcoming the peace efforts made between Ukraine and the U.S. in Jeddah.

The European Parliament "reaffirms its commitment to supporting Ukraine's desire for a just and lasting peace and to the Peace Formula and the Victory Plan presented by Ukraine's President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy."

"[The EP] believes that it is a comprehensive plan to restore Ukraine's territorial integrity and includes the building blocks of a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine based on the principles of the UN Charter and international law, which requires the full restoration of Ukraine's territorial integrity, accountability for war crimes and the crime of aggression, Russian reparations for the massive damage caused in Ukraine, full accountability for those responsible, and exclusion of any future aggressions by Russia," the resolution reads.

MEPs emphasized that any genuine peace negotiations must be conducted in good faith and include Ukraine. They confirmed that any settlement that excludes Ukraine or undermines its legitimate aspirations, such as its right to choose its own security arrangements, or which lacks credible security guarantees for Ukraine that contribute to deterring future Russian aggression, will be neither just nor viable.

The European Parliament strongly deplored any attempts at blackmailing Ukraine's leadership into surrender to the Russian aggressor for the sole purpose of announcing a so-called "peace deal" and added that the current attempts by the U.S. administration to negotiate a ceasefire and peace agreement with Russia over the heads of Ukraine and other European states, in which the latter are confronted with the outcome without their meaningful participation, were counterproductive and dangerous.

MEPs stressed that taking into account the history of Russia's violations of previous agreements and fundamental principles of international law, such a peace can only be reached through strength, including effective security guarantees;

Lawmakers welcomed the conclusions of the Special European Council of March 6, 2025 and its support for a rapid strengthening of European defense through the "ReArm Europe" plan and reiterating its support for Ukraine following the "peace through strength" approach, highlighting in particular that Ukraine’s security and European, transatlantic and global security are intertwined.