European Parliament calls for EU countries to loosen Ukraine weapons restrictions

Sept. 19 (UPI) -- The European Parliament passed a non-binding resolution Thursday urging member states to allow Ukraine to use Western weapons to fire at targets inside of Russia while toughening sanctions against Moscow and its supporters.

The resolution asked European Union countries to lift the restrictions so Ukraine can be more aggressive in defending itself against Russia. Many individual member states have been hesitant to lift such restrictions, fearing it could help spread the conflict throughout the continent.

The 425-131 vote with 63 abstentions, appeared to show an overwhelming approval to allow Ukraine to take a more offensive approach in the slow-moving war where Kyiv has tried to change its dynamic.

"Parliament underlines those insufficient deliveries of ammunition and restrictions on their use risk offsetting the impact of efforts made to date and deplores the declining volume of bilateral military aid to Ukraine by EU countries," the Parliament said in the resolution.

"MEPs reiterate their call for member states to fulfill their March 2023 commitment to deliver one million rounds of ammunition, including Taurus missiles."

The European Parliament also called for more sanctions against China, Iran and North Korea for helping Russia in its invasion of Ukraine. They also want Russia to be held accountable for its war crimes as part of any peace settlement.

In May, U.S. President Joe Biden authorized Ukraine's military to use American weapons for limited strikes against military targets in Russian territory for the first time after previously banning such activities with U.S.-made weapons.

Russian President Vladimir Putin had earlier warned that such actions by the United States and the Western allies would constitute a widening of the war.

The Biden administration, however, still bars Ukraine from mounting deeper strikes into Russia using U.S. weapons like the Lockheed Martin long-range Army Tactical Missile System.