The European Parliament overwhelmingly adopted a resolution urging EU nations to allow Ukrainian strikes deep within Russian territory.
During a plenary session in Strasbourg, 425 members voted in favour of the resolution, while 131 opposed it, and 63 abstained.
The resolution calls for the “immediate removal of restrictions on the use of Western-supplied weapons by Ukraine against legitimate military targets within Russian territory.”
It argues that such limitations hinder the Ukrainian ability to fully exercise its right to self-defense.
The document further highlights that the “shortage of ammunition and weapons, along with restrictions on their use, threatens to undermine the efforts to support Ukraine.”
In addition to the military recommendations, EU lawmakers called for expanding sanctions against Russia, accelerating the allocation of a €50 billion loan to Ukraine, and preparing a legal framework for the full confiscation of frozen Russian sovereign assets.
They also suggested that proceeds from these assets be used to support Ukraine.
It’s important to note that European Parliament resolutions on foreign policy issues are advisory and not legally binding on EU institutions or member states.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that Moscow’s response to the supply of long-range weapons to Ukraine could be disproportionate, indicating that Russia is carefully considering its countermeasures.
Italy has reaffirmed its commitment to assist Kyiv in safeguarding and rebuilding its historical and artistic heritage, as announced by Italy’s Minister of Culture, Alessandro Giuli, on Wednesday.
This pledge comes as part of ongoing efforts to support Ukraine amidst the devastation caused by the ongoing conflict with Russia.
During a phone call with his Ukrainian counterpart, Mykola Tuchynsky, Giuli extended an invitation to Ukraine to participate in the upcoming G7 culture ministers’ meeting, scheduled for September 20-21 in Naples, Italy.
The upcoming G7 meeting will focus on several key issues, including supporting Ukraine’s efforts to protect and restore its cultural heritage.
