The EU will maintain military aid to Ukraine and increase sanctions against Russia, European diplomacy chief Josep Borrell announced on Wednesday at the end of an emergency meeting in New York.
The Council of Foreign Ministers of the EU, meeting in New York, “decided to maintain military aid to Ukraine and increase economic, sectoral and individual sanctions against Russia”Borrell told reporters at the end of the meeting.
“It was a swift decision at this emergency meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers and shows the determination of the European Union [UE] to continue helping Ukraine to cope with Russian aggression”emphasizes.
Referring to the detailed measures for later, Borrell said they could only be enacted at a formal meeting, expressing assurance that “a unanimous agreement on the new sanctions” would be reached.
The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs said only the intention is to influence Russian technology sectors and took it for granted that “there will be a new list of people” covered by the sanctions.
“I understand that they would like to know who the people are, what the sectors are, what the amounts are, but that was not possible today. Today was the political decision.”strengthens.
With this decision, the EU wanted to send a “strong political message” hours after Putin’s speech, he said.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba took part “in the first part of the meeting” of EU ministers “to report on the latest developments,” Borrell said.
“References to nuclear weapons do not undermine our determination, determination and unity to assist Ukraine and our broad support for Ukraine’s ability to defend territorial integrity and sovereignty, however long it takes. In addition, the EU reaffirms its commitment to increased support for the resilience of the Eastern Partners and the Western Balkans”according to a statement released at the end of the meeting of EU officials.
“The EU remains unwavering in its support for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and demands that Russia immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw all troops and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine, within internationally recognized borders.”can be read in the document.
On Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the mobilization of reservists, referendums for the annexation of Ukrainian territories and pledged to “use all the means at his disposal”, in an allusion to nuclear weapons, adding: “this is not bluff”.
The military offensive launched by Russia on February 24 in Ukraine has already resulted in nearly 13 million people being displaced, according to the latest UN data – more than six million displaced and nearly seven million to neighboring countries. the worst in Europe since World War II (1939-1945).
The Russian invasion – justified by Russian President Vladimir Putin, with the need to “denazify” and demilitarize Ukraine for Russia’s security – was condemned by the international community at large, which has responded by sending arms to Ukraine and Russia to impose sanctions in all sectors, from banking to energy and sports.
Source: DN
