Watch: MEPs Rally Behind Ukraine, Warn Against ‘Division from Within’

The European Parliament marked the fourth anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine with a special plenary session on Tuesday, as political leaders pledged sustained military, financial and political backing for Kyiv and warned against divisions within the EU.

Opening the debate, Parliament President Roberta Metsola said the European Union had mobilised €200 billion in support since 2022 to help Ukraine maintain essential services and defend itself against Russia’s assault. She referred to the delivery of generators to hospitals, schools and bomb shelters, as well as stepped-up defence assistance for troops on the front line.

MEPs were due to sign into law a further €90 billion loan aimed at shoring up Ukraine’s public finances and sustaining its defence capabilities. “Your security is Europe’s security. Your freedom is Europe’s freedom. And your future is in Europe,” Metsola said, describing the package as a clear political signal to Kyiv and Moscow alike.

The debate saw strong backing from the Parliament’s two largest political groups, alongside sharp criticism of leaders seen as obstructing tougher action against the Kremlin.

For the European People’s Party (EPP), German MEP Michael Gahler said sole responsibility for the war lay with Russian President Vladimir Putin, whom he described as a “ruthless dictator”. Gahler also criticised what he called Putin’s “admirers, sycophants and war profiteers inside the EU”, singling out Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico.

He argued that while Ukrainians want the war to end immediately, Putin does not feel sufficient military pressure to enter serious negotiations. Gahler described the stance of US President Donald Trump as “regrettable”, warning that exerting pressure on the victim rather than the aggressor risks emboldening Moscow.

The EPP lawmaker called for more air defence systems and enhanced strike capabilities to disrupt Russia’s weapons production, as well as clear security guarantees under Article 42.7 of the EU treaties once the war ends. He also stressed the need for a credible accession process for Ukraine to join the bloc.

From the Socialists and Democrats (S&D), Spanish MEP Iratxe García Pérez described the conflict as “a full frontal attack against the European order” and the principle that borders cannot be changed by force. Despite widespread destruction of energy infrastructure and repeated blackouts, she said the Ukrainian people had shown not only resilience but dignity.

García argued that Putin had failed to achieve his objectives, with Ukraine resisting attempts to topple its government. She welcomed the €90 billion loan financed through shared EU debt but said it would ultimately be necessary to confiscate the €210 billion in frozen Russian assets to fund reconstruction efforts. “This is not vengeance, it is justice,” she said, adding that a 20th sanctions package against Russia was essential and warning that any attempt to block it would strengthen the aggressor.

The session was also addressed via video link by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who reiterated his call for a clear date for Ukraine’s EU membership. While the EU granted Ukraine candidate status after the 2022 invasion, its accession path has faced obstacles, notably from Hungary.

“It is important for us to receive a clear date for joining the EU,” Zelenskyy told MEPs. Without such a commitment, he warned, Moscow would seek to divide European capitals and stall Ukraine’s membership bid for years to come.