EU Summit: Immediate ceasefire and withdrawal of all Russian forces from Ukraine demanded by “27”

Strong condemnation of the Russian attack by the West with US President Joe Biden announcing a series of sanctions against Moscow. The European Union decided late Thursday night on a new package of sanctions at the Summit. The “27” demand an immediate ceasefire and the withdrawal of all Russian forces from Ukraine.

Detailed conclusions of the European Council:

• The European Council strongly condemns the unprovoked and unjustified military attack by the Russian Federation on Ukraine. By its illegal military actions, Russia blatantly 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 offensive and all the damage and loss of life it will cause. He will be held accountable for his actions.
• The European Council urges Russia to immediately cease its military action, withdraw all its forces and military equipment unconditionally from the entire territory of Ukraine, and fully respect Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence internationally. its recognized borders. The European Council calls on the Russian and Russian-backed militias to respect international humanitarian law and to end their campaign of misinformation and cyber-attacks.
• The European Council deplores the tragic loss of life and human suffering caused by Russian aggression. It stands in solidarity with the women, men and children whose lives have been affected by this unjustified and unjustified attack. Calls on Russia and its pro-Russian armed groups to provide safe and unhindered humanitarian access and assistance to all those in need.
• The European Council also strongly condemns Belarus' involvement in this attack. against Ukraine and calls on it to refrain from such actions and to comply with its international obligations.
• The EU has reacted swiftly and decisively to Russia's recognition of Ukraine's self-proclaimed separatist entities and to the development of its armed forces, adopting restrictive measures in response. The European Council today agrees on further restrictive measures that will have enormous and serious consequences for Russia for its action, 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 control and export financing, visa policy, additional lists of Russians and new registration criteria. The Council will approve without delay the proposals drawn up by the Commission and the High Representative.
• The European Council calls for the urgent preparation and approval of a further package of individual and financial sanctions also covers Belarus.
• The European Council reiterates its unwavering support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. It calls on all countries not to recognize the two self-proclaimed separatist entities and not to facilitate or assist them in any way.
• The EU stands in solidarity with Ukraine and will continue to support Ukraine and its people together with its international partners, including through additional political, economic, humanitarian and logistical support and an international donors' conference. Following the decision of the EU Heads of State or Government in December 2016, the European Council recognizes Ukraine's European ambitions and European choice as set out in the Association Agreement.
• The European Council strongly believes that the use of violence 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 work closely with its neighbors and reiterate 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 work on preparedness and readiness at all levels and calls for the Commission, in particular, to propose emergency measures, including energy.
• The European Council will continue to address this issue.