The European Union and its 27 Member States today expressed their strong solidarity with Ukraine, as their Ambassadors and deputies visited the Embassy of Ukraine in Tokyo and met with Ambassador Sergiy Korsunsky.

Speaking at the meeting, EU Ambassador to Japan Patricia Flor said, ‘Today’s visit is a symbol of our full solidarity with Ukraine. We stand by and continue to support Ukraine and its people’.

The EU Ambassadors reiterated their unwavering support and commitment to Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. The EU also reaffirms its commitment to strengthening its political and economic relations with Ukraine, as was seen with the recent swift adoption on a new emergency macro-financial assistance programme of up to €1.2 billion.

As High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell declared on behalf of the EU, ‘The EU strongly condemns the decision by President Putin to recognise the non-government controlled areas of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts of Ukraine as independent entities and the ensuing decision to send Russian troops into these areas. This illegal act further undermines Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence and is a severe breach of international law and international agreements, including the UN Charter, Helsinki Final Act, Paris Charter and Budapest Memorandum’.

In response, the EU Council on 23 February unanimously adopted a package of sanctions targeting individuals who have played a role in undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine, restricting economic relations with the non-government controlled areas of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts and restraining the ability of the Russian state and government to access the EU’s capital and financial markets and services.

The EU coordinates closely with international partners, and welcomes the swift reaction by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida strongly condemning the series of Russian actions, calling them an infringement of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity and totally unacceptable and imposing targeted sanctions.