Resolution on four years of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and European contributions to a just peace and sustained security for Ukraine

The European Parliament adopted by 437 votes to 82, with 70 abstentions, a resolution on four years of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and European contributions to a just peace and sustained security for Ukraine.

The text adopted in plenary session was tabled by the EPP, S&D, ECR, Renew, Greens/EFA groups and Members.

Solidarity with Ukraine

Parliament reiterated its unwavering solidarity with the Ukrainian people and its support for the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of that country within its internationally recognised borders. It reaffirmed its unequivocal support for a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace in Ukraine, based on conditions determined by Ukraine, and its firm conviction that the aggression must fail and that Ukraine must prevail.

Violation of international law and Russia's responsibility

Members condemned Russia's brutal war of aggression against Ukraine, as well as the involvement of North Korea and Iran, stressing that this war constitutes a blatant violation of international law and the UN Charter, and an unprecedented attack on the European security architecture. They believe that Russia and its allies, including the Belarusian regime, bear full responsibility for the war, war crimes, and the crime of aggression, and demand that they be held fully accountable for their actions.

Parliament demanded that Russia immediately cease its military actions, withdraw from all internationally recognised Ukrainian territories, release prisoners and deported civilians (including children), and end its violation of Ukraine's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. It reaffirmed that the Union will continue not to recognise temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories as Russian territory.

European integration of Ukraine

Reaffirming that Ukraine's future lies within the EU, Members considered Ukraine's European integration a strategic priority for the Union. They called on the Union and its Member States to prepare for the upcoming enlargement by developing a clear enlargement strategy and accelerating Ukraine's gradual integration into the EU's single market.

Peace agreement and strong security guarantees

Parliament called on the EU, its Member States, their transatlantic allies and their international partners to assume greater responsibility for ensuring the security of the European continent, to continue to provide unwavering support to Ukraine, to massively increase military support for Ukraine and to significantly strengthen overall pressure on Russia.

Members welcomed the meeting of the ‘Coalition of the Willing’ held in Paris on 6 January 2026. They welcomed the proposal to create a multinational ‘reassurance force’ for Ukraine, while expressing concerns that these guarantees would only take effect after a ceasefire was concluded.

The resolution further stressed that any peace agreement must be based on full respect for the principles of international law, accountability for war crimes, crimes against humanity and the crime of aggression, and Russian reparations for the massive damage caused in Ukraine. Such agreement must be complemented by robust and credible security guarantees to Ukraine, amounting to the level of Article 5 of the Washington Treaty and Article 42(7) of the Treaty on European Union and should enable the immediate prevention and countermeasure of any further Russian aggression.

Moreover, Ukraine should be free to choose its security and political alliances free from any Russian veto.

In this context, Parliament expressed concern about the American approach to peace talks, which appears to prioritise short-term negotiation and the preservation of ‘strategic stability’ with Russia rather than genuine peace talks leading to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on the principles of international law.

Sanctions

Parliament stressed that no sanctions should be lifted until a peace agreement is negotiated and sustainably implemented. It called on the EU to impose further substantial sanctions, such as a comprehensive ban on ongoing imports from Russia and Belarus, particularly targeting unsanctioned raw materials.

While welcoming the ongoing discussions between the EU and the G7 regarding a ban on maritime services for all Russian energy exports, Members urged the EU and its Member States to take action (even without the support of other G7 countries) and to ban trade and business activities with Russia and Belarus, particularly concerning goods with potential dual-use potential.

The Council is urged to apply a similar sanctions policy to all states that support Russia, including Belarus, Iran, and North Korea, and to sanction Chinese entities supplying dual-use goods and military items essential for the manufacturing of drones and missiles.

Parliament also called for further sanctions against Russia's shadow fleet. The Council is called on to include the Wagner Group and its successor entities on the list of terrorist organisations.

Damage repair

Parliament believes that Russia must pay for the considerable damage it has caused in Ukraine. It has once again called on the EU to use the cash balances associated with Russian sovereign assets immobilised under EU sanctions to back a reparations loan that would serve to support Ukraine’s defence and reconstruction.

Strengthening defence capacities

The EU is invited to support the strengthening of Ukraine's defence capabilities through an enhanced industrial partnership enabling technology and know-how transfers, to make additional investments and to develop partnerships with Ukraine with a view to joint developments in the EU and production by Ukrainian industry inside the Union.

Lastly, Parliament strongly condemned Russia’s systematic deportation, forced transfer and attempts to assimilate Ukrainian children and demanded the immediate and unconditional cessation of these practices and the safe and unhindered return of all unlawfully deported Ukrainian children.

Text adopted by Parliament, single reading