Charles Michel – Photo © European Union 2022
(BRUSSELS) – EU leaders at a summit Thursday agreed sanctions on Russia for its ‘unprovoked and unjustified’ military aggression against Ukraine, which they condemned in the strongest possible terms.
At their summit, the leaders expressed full unity with international partners and full solidarity with Ukraine and its people.
The leaders expressed full unity with international partners and full solidarity with Ukraine and its people. In a statement, they said: “By its illegal military actions, Russia is grossly violating international law and undermining European and global security and stability.”
The European Council underlined the right of Ukraine to choose its own destiny.
“Today we see the devastating reality of full-scale war in Europe. Russia alone is to blame. It will pay a heavy price,” said President of the European Council Charles Michel.
The European Council demanded that Russia:
- immediately ceases its military actions
- unconditionally withdraws all forces and military equipment from Ukraine
- fully respects Ukraine’s territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence
- respects international law
- stops their disinformation campaign and cyber-attacks
At the meeting, the EU adopted restrictive measures, including a package of sanctions adopted on 23 February.
The European Council agreed on further restrictive measures that will have massive and severe consequences for Russia, in close coordination with partners and allies. The sanctions cover: the financial sector; the energy and transport sectors; dual-use goods; export control and export financing; visa policy; additional listings of Russian individuals; new listing criteria.
The European Council condemned the involvement of Belarus in Russia’s military aggression and called for the swift preparation of a further individual and economic sanctions package that will also cover Belarus.
The Council reaffirmed its full solidarity with Ukraine and that it will continue to support Ukraine and its people together with its international partners, including through additional political, financial and humanitarian support and an international donors’ conference.
The European Council also acknowledged the European aspiration and the European choice of Ukraine, as stated in the Association Agreement.
The Council stressed that the EU will continue cooperating closely with neighbours and reiterated its unwavering support for, and commitment to, the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia and of the Republic of Moldova. It will continue strong coordination with partners and allies, within the UN, OSCE, NATO and the G7.
EU restrictive measures in response to the crisis in Ukraine
