Charles Michel – Photo © European Union 2022
(BRUSSELS) – EU leaders at a summit Tuesday agreed a sixth package of sanctions against Russia for its aggression against Ukraine, covering crude oil and petroleum products delivered from Russia to Member States.
Summit conclusions include a temporary exception for crude oil delivered by pipeline, and in case of sudden interruptions of supply, emergency measures would be introduced to ensure security of supply.
The leaders, who had been joined by Ukraine’s President Zelensky via video conference for a discussion at the beginning of the summit., again urged Russia to immediately stop its indiscriminate attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure, and to withdraw, immediately and unconditionally, from the entire territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders.
“The atrocities being committed by Russian forces and the suffering and destruction being inflicted are unspeakable,” says the summit statement.
Leaders stressed that international humanitarian law, including the Geneva Convention relative to the treatment of prisoners of war, should be fully respected. They also called on Russia to allow immediate humanitarian access and the safe passage of all civilians concerned; and the safe return of Ukrainian individuals forcibly removed to Russia.
EU leaders underlined that the EU and its member states have provided protection to millions of refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine, and that they remain committed to welcoming them and ensuring their safety.
The EU promises to continue to assist the Ukrainian government with its urgent need for liquidity, and that it is ready to grant Ukraine new exceptional macro-financial assistance of up to 9 billion in 2022.
On the reconstruction of a democratic Ukraine, the EU will consider a Ukraine reconstruction platform and this platform should bring together the Ukrainian government, the EU and its member states, the European Investment Bank as well as international partners, financing institutions and organisations.
EU leaders highlighted that EU support for reconstruction will be linked to the implementation of reforms consistent with its European path and invited the European Commission to make proposals on this basis.
The Council also supported further options in line with EU and international law being actively explored, including options aimed at using frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine’s reconstruction.
Regarding military support, the EU remains committed to continue bolstering Ukraine’s ability to defend its territorial integrity and sovereignty. In this respect, the European Council welcomed the adoption of the recent Council decision to increase military support to Ukraine under the European Peace Facility.
On the second day of the summit, EU leaders will discuss energy, defence and food security.
