European Council: Russia to immediately cease military action, sanctions to follow for Belarus too

BRUSSELS, (Patria) - The European Council held a meeting on Thursday evening where they adopted several conclusions on the current situation in Ukraine and Russian aggression.  

- The European Council strongly condemns the unprovoked and unjustified military aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine. Russia, with its illegal military actions, grossly violates international law and the principles of the UN Charter and undermines European and global security and stability. The European Council emphasizes that this includes Ukraine's right to choose its own destiny. Russia bears full responsibility for this act of aggression and all the destruction and loss of life it will cause. It will be held accountable for its actions.

- The European Council demands that Russia immediately cease its military actions, unconditionally withdraw all forces and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine, and fully respect Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence within its internationally recognized borders. The European Council calls on Russia and the armed formations supported by Russia to respect international humanitarian law and to stop their disinformation campaign and cyber attacks.

- The European Council regrets the tragic loss of life and human suffering caused by Russian aggression. We stand in solidarity with the women, men, and children whose lives have been affected by this unjustified attack. We call on Russia and the armed formations supported by Russia to ensure safe and unimpeded humanitarian access and assistance to all persons in need.

- The European Council also strongly condemns Belarus's involvement in this aggression against Ukraine and calls on it to refrain from such action and to abide by its international obligations.

- The EU has reacted quickly and decisively to Russia's recognition of the self-proclaimed separatist entities in Ukraine and the deployment of its armed forces by adopting restrictive measures in response. The European Council today agrees on further restrictive measures that will impose enormous and severe consequences on Russia for its actions, in close coordination with our partners and allies. These sanctions cover the financial sector, the energy and transport sectors, dual-use goods, as well as export controls and export financing, visa policy, additional lists of Russian individuals, and new listing criteria. The Council will adopt the proposals prepared by the Commission and the High Representative without delay.

- The European Council calls for the urgent preparation and adoption of a further package of individual and economic sanctions that will also cover Belarus.

- The European Council reiterates its unwavering support for the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders. We call on all countries not to recognize the two self-proclaimed separatist entities and not to assist them in any way.

- The EU is united in its solidarity with Ukraine and will continue to support Ukraine and its people together with its international partners, including additional political, financial, humanitarian, and logistical support and an international donor network. Following the decision of the EU Heads of State or Government of December 2016, the European Council recognizes the European aspirations and the European choice of Ukraine, as stated in the Association Agreement.

- The European Council firmly believes that the use of force and coercion to change borders has no place in the 21st century. Tensions and conflicts should be resolved exclusively through dialogue and diplomacy. The EU will continue to cooperate closely with its neighbors and reiterates its unwavering support and commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia and the Republic of Moldova. It will continue strong coordination with partners and allies, within the UN, OSCE, NATO, and the G7.

- The European Council calls for continued work and readiness at all levels and calls on the Commission, in particular, to put forward emergency measures, including those related to energy.

-The European Council will continue to address this issue.