European Union leaders strongly condemn Russian’s unprecedented and unprovoked military aggression against Ukraine
Today in Brussels President Charles Michel of the European Council, President Ursula von der Leyen of the European Commission and High Representative Borrell stated to condemn in the strongest possible terms Russia's unprovoked and unprecedented military aggression against Ukraine. The EU calls on Russia to immediately cease the hostilities, withdraw its military from Ukraine, fully respect Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence, and to abide by its international obligations.
President von der Leyen’s press statement noted that once again, in the centre of Europe, innocent women, men and children are dying or fear for their lives. We condemn this barbaric attack, and the cynical arguments to justify it. It is President Putin, who is bringing war back to Europe. In these dark hours, the European Union and its people stand by Ukraine and its people. High Representative Josep Borrell stressed that this aggression is not only the greatest violation of international law, it is a violation of the basic principles of human co-existence.
President Michel of the European Council has urgently convened an extraordinary meeting of the European Council to discuss the crisis and further restrictive measures. These will impose massive and severe consequences on Russia for its actions. President von der Leyen and High Representative Borrell will outline a further sanctions package being finalised by the European Commission and the EEAS in close coordination with partners. The Council will adopt them swiftly.
The European Union, together with transatlantic and like-minded partners, have made unprecedented efforts to achieve a diplomatic solution to the security crisis caused by Russia, but Russia has not reciprocated these efforts and instead has opted unilaterally for a grave and premeditated escalation conducting to war.
Read the full statements:
Press statement by President von der Leyen on Russia's aggression against Ukraine Brussels, 24/02/2022
Ukraine: Declaration by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the invasion of Ukraine by armed forces of the Russian Federation Brussels, 24/02/2022
Press Statement by High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell on Russia's aggression against Ukraine Brussels, 24/02/2022
See also
- Statement of Presidents of the European Council and the Commission on Russia's unprecedented and unprovoked military aggression
- Press statement by President von der Leyen on Russia's aggression against Ukraine
- Ukraine: Declaration by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the invasion of Ukraine by armed forces of Russia
- Press Statement by High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell on Russia's aggression against Ukraine