EU leaders issue joint statement on Russia’s ‘invasion’ of Ukraine

The Kremlin will answer for the “attack” on Ukraine. This was stated by the heads of the European Council and the European Commission Charles Michel and Ursula von der Leyen in a joint address.

“We strongly condemn Russia’s unwarranted attack on Ukraine. Our thoughts are with Ukraine, with the innocent women, men and children who have faced this unprovoked attack and are now in fear for their lives,” the statement said.

It also noted that European countries “condemn Russia’s unprecedented military aggression against Ukraine.” “Russia is flagrantly violating international law and undermining European and global security and stability,” the statement said.

“We will hold the Kremlin accountable,” the EU leaders promised and called on the Russian Federation to “immediately cease hostilities, withdraw its troops from Ukraine and respect the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.”

EU leaders promised to convene an extraordinary meeting of the European Council to discuss the crisis and further restrictive measures against the Russian Federation.

Recall, on February 24, Russian President Vladimir Putin made an emergency appeal to the Russians and announced a special military operation in the Donbass. He stressed that the plans of the Russian Federation “does not include the occupation of Ukrainian territories”, but “the Russian Federation considers it important that all the peoples of Ukraine can use the right of self-determination.” Reacting to the Kremlin’s decision, US President Joe Biden, in a special statement, called Russia’s attack on Ukraine unprovoked and unjustified and promised to hold it to account.