In a joint statement with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, EU High Representative Josep Borrell said:
“These are among the darkest hour for Europe since the end of World War 2. A major nuclear power has attacked a neighbouring country and is threatening reprisals of any other states that may come to rescue. This is not only the greatest violation of international law, it’s a violation of the basic principles of human co-existence. It’s costing many lives with unknown consequences ahead of us.
“The European Union will respond in the strongest possible terms. President of the European Council, President Michel has called for a meeting of the European Council this evening. And they will agree and provide political guidance to adopt the strongest package the harshest package of sanctions we have ever implemented.
“I will be in touch with our partners around the world to ensure the international community will fully grasp the gravity of the moment and to call for a strong and united call on Russia to immediately cease this behaviour, intolerable behaviour. Russian leadership will face unprecedented isolation.
“This is not a question of blocks. This is not a question of diplomatic power games. It’s a matter of life and death and it is about the future of our global community. We will stand united with our trans-Atlantic partners and with all European nations in defending this position.
“We stand united in saying no to violence and destruction as a means to obtain political gains. We the European Union remain the strongest group of nations in the world, and this should not be underestimated.
“More immediately, we will be designing urgent assistance to Ukraine. In this dire situation. We will also be active in supporting evacuations operations, including our own staff in zones affected by this Russian attack.
“The European Union together with trans-Atlantic, 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 unilaterally moved for a grave and premeditated escalation leading to war. President Putin needs to stop this senseless aggression. And today our thoughts are with the people of Ukraine. We will stand with them.”
Share this article:
