EU Urges Putin to Cease Russian Military Operations Immediately

The European Union (EU) urged Russian President Putin to cease Russian military operations immediately and depart all Russia's alliance forces and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine.

In a joint press statement by Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and Josep Borrell Fontelles, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of a stronger Europe in the World, it said: "Russia’s military attack against Ukraine – an independent and sovereign State – is a flagrant violation of international law and the core principles on which the international rules-based order is built."

Also in this regard, the EU members have condemned in the strongest possible terms the unprovoked invasion of Ukraine by armed forces of the Russian Federation.

In the same connection, they also condemned the involvement of Belarus in this aggression against Ukraine and call on it to abide by its international obligations.

"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 statement noted.

The joint statement stressed that the EU together with transatlantic and like-minded partners have been united in making unprecedented efforts to achieve a diplomatic solution to the security crisis caused by Russia, claiming that Russia has not reciprocated these efforts and instead opted unilaterally for a grave and premeditated escalation.

"The EU has made clear from the outset and at the highest political level that any further military aggression against Ukraine will have massive consequences and severe costs. The EU’s response will therefore include both sectoral and inpidual restrictive measures coordinated fully with our transatlantic and like-minded partners."

"Russia should be in no doubt that the EU will remain resolutely united as it takes the next steps in close coordination with partners," the joint statement pointed out, the press statement pointed out.

The EU has called on the international community to demand from Russia the immediate end of this aggression, which endangers international peace and security at a global scale.

Furthermore, the EU has called on Russia as well to fully respect international humanitarian law, and to allow safe and unhindered humanitarian access and assistance to all persons in need. We also call on Russia to ensure the safety of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission."

In conclusion, the European officials reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the political association and economic integration of Ukraine with the European Union. "We stand by the people of Ukraine and its democratically elected institutions and representatives."

Watch the remarks by EU officials on Russia’s aggression against Ukraine below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dl9RnYUU0PY