Four years after the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the European Parliament held an extraordinary plenary session to mark the anniversary and reaffirm its support for Ukraine.
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola opened the session by emphasizing the ongoing commitment of the institution to Ukraine. “Four years on, the European Parliament has not let Ukraine down. Because we know that when we stand together, Ukraine and Europe stand strong. Ukraine’s security is Europe’s security, Ukraine’s freedom is Europe’s freedom, and Ukraine’s future is in Europe,” she said.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) via video link from Kyiv. He thanked them for their continued backing: “We truly feel many Europeans do care about what will happen to Ukraine (…) we never chose this war, we did not provoke it and we are doing everything we can to stop it.” Zelenskyy warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s government poses a threat beyond its borders: “that somewhere people can live differently and enjoy a life that is not the one he prefers.”
Zelenskyy also called for credible security guarantees for his country to deter further Russian aggression in Europe. He highlighted the importance of maintaining transatlantic unity and said he was grateful for those preserving this cooperation.
He underscored the need to implement a EUR 90 billion loan package from the EU and pressed for a clear date for Ukrainian accession to the bloc. According to Zelenskyy, without such assurances “Putin will find a way to block Ukraine for decades, by dividing you, by dividing Europe.”
The Ukrainian president urged European leaders to address how Russia funds its military campaign. He advocated stronger sanctions against Moscow, ending reliance on Russian energy sources, cutting off Russian banks from European systems, tightening controls on sanctions evasion and shadow shipping fleets, and denying entry into Europe for individuals accused of war crimes.
After Zelenskyy’s remarks and subsequent debate among MEPs, Parliament adopted a resolution condemning Russia’s invasion as an illegal act violating international law and holding both Russia and Belarus fully responsible for initiating hostilities against Ukraine. The resolution also condemned Iran’s and North Korea’s involvement.
Parliament called on Russia to halt military operations immediately, withdraw troops from all internationally recognized Ukrainian territory, release detained civilians—including children—and cease violations of Ukrainian sovereignty. MEPs reiterated their refusal to recognize any annexed Ukrainian regions as part of Russia.
The adopted text affirmed that Ukraine’s future lies within the EU framework. It recommended speeding up integration with the single market while encouraging institutional reforms needed for future enlargement. The resolution urged EU countries to boost military, political, and diplomatic support.
Regarding peace efforts between Kyiv and Moscow, MEPs insisted any agreement should be based on robust security guarantees comparable with NATO Article 5 protections or those under Article 42(7) TEU. Such an agreement must respect international law without limiting Ukraine’s right to self-defense or choice of alliances; decisions about either country should not be made without their participation.
The text welcomed new multinational initiatives—such as proposals by Western allies for additional security measures—but expressed concern over suggestions these would only apply after a ceasefire was reached. MEPs also voiced unease over what they perceive as U.S. prioritization of short-term agreements rather than comprehensive peace talks grounded in international norms.
Further steps demanded include intensifying economic sanctions against Russia while accelerating efforts across member states to end dependence on Russian energy products—including oil derivatives and nuclear materials—and permanently decommissioning Nord Stream pipelines.
Parliament condemned deportations of Ukrainian children by Russian authorities while supporting global attempts at securing their return home.
Expanded sanctions were sought against Russian officials linked with alleged war crimes; stricter enforcement measures targeting circumvention tactics; Schengen bans on implicated military personnel; as well as designating groups like Wagner Group as terrorist organizations.
The final resolution passed with 437 votes in favor versus 82 against and 70 abstentions.
