The European Union and its Member States strongly condemn Russia's unprecedented military aggression against Ukraine

With regard to the Russia's aggression on Ukraine, which is unfolding in front of our eyes, the European Union (EU) condemns in the strongest possible terms Russia's unprecedented military aggression against an independent and sovereign member of the United Nations. By its unprovoked and unjustified military actions, Russia is grossly violating international law and undermining European and global security and stability. We deplore the loss of life and the human suffering.

The EU has called on Russia to immediately cease the hostilities, withdraw its military from Ukraine and fully respect Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence. Such use of force and coercion has no place in the 21st century. The EU stands firmly by Ukraine and its people as they face this unparalleled crisis.

We are facing an unprecedented act of aggression by the Russian leadership against a sovereign, independent country. President Putin chose to bring war back to Europe. In a determined and united response, the EU will make it as difficult as possible for the Kremlin to pursue its aggressive actions. Russia's target is not only Donbass region, the target is not only Ukraine, the target is the stability in Europe and the whole of the international peace order. And we will hold President Putin accountable for that.

It is not only about the security and stability in Europe.  We are facing a blatant attempt to rewrite the rules of our entire international system. The Kremlin is not only trying to undermine the entire European security architecture, it is also violating the UN Charter, where it states that countries "shall refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state." We cannot let this stand. We will not allow President Putin to replace the rule of law by the rule of force and ruthlessness.

Regarding the EU support to and solidarity with Ukraine, we will continue to provide strong political, financial and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine and its people. Thus, the EU will provide an emergency macro-financial assistance of €1.2 billion in the form of loans to foster stability in Ukraine. It intends to provide swift support in a situation of acute crisis and to strengthen Ukraine’s resilience.

Concerning the security of energy supplies in Europe, we have been in talks with a number of countries that are ready to step up their exports of liquefied natural gas to the EU. This already resulted in January in record deliveries of LNG gas – more than 120 vessels and 10 bcm of LNG. We are also in contact with other allies, such as Japan and Korea, about the possibility of redirecting contracted LNG cargoes from these countries to Europe, in case of extra need. Over the past years the EU has diversified its energy sources, improved interconnections between Member States and strengthened security of supply and risk preparedness. In particular, we have more pipeline interconnectors between Member States and more LNG terminals across the EU. The current Security of Supply Regulation obliges all Member States whose gas networks are connected (directly or through a third country) to provide solidarity gas deliveries in case of a serious crisis. These deliveries are meant as a last resort in the event of an extreme gas shortage to ensure supply to households, district heating systems and basic social facilities in the affected country. There is gas in storage across our continent (over 30% on 24 February) and Europe will not suddenly find itself without any gas from one day to the next in case of interruptions of supply from any one source. Furthermore, we hope that in the future LNG exports from Papua New Guinea to Europe will also become a reality and will contribute to the diversification of our suppliers.

We are calling on all our international partners and our peace loving, democratic and reliable partner Papua New Guinea to join us in condemning the Russian aggression.  As our High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy, Mr. Joseph Borrell stated "this is not a question of blocs, this is not a question of diplomatic power games. It is a matter of life and death. It is about the future of our global community". We should stand united in saying no to violence and destruction as means to obtain political gains.