On September 19, the European Parliament passed a resolution urging EU member states to lift restrictions on Ukraine’s use of Western-supplied weapons inside Russia. The resolution also called for an acceleration of weapons deliveries, including Taurus missiles. While Ukraine has received long-range missiles from countries like the U.S., the U.K., and France, they are not allowed to use them to target deep inside Russian territory due to concerns about escalating the conflict. Germany has not delivered any long-range Taurus missiles, with Chancellor Olaf Scholz citing fears of escalation. He stated on September 14 that Germany will not allow Ukraine to use German weapons to launch attacks far behind the front, even if other countries decide otherwise. This statement came after a meeting between U.S. President Joe Biden and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, where they did not lift restrictions on using Western-supplied long-range weapons on Russian territory, despite media reports suggesting they would. The European Parliament’s resolution emphasized that without lifting these restrictions, Ukraine cannot fully defend itself and remains vulnerable to attacks on its people and infrastructure. The resolution also called for member states to speed up the delivery of weapons, air defense systems, and ammunition, including Taurus missiles. Additionally, the resolution urged EU states to maintain and expand sanctions against Russia, Belarus, and other non-EU countries and entities that provide Russia with military and dual-use technologies. The resolution was passed with 425 votes in favor, 131 against, and 63 abstentions.
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