“We strongly condemn Russia’s unjustified attack on Ukraine. In these dark hours, our thoughts are with Ukraine and with innocent women, men and children who have to face this unprovoked attack and fear for their lives,” Leine and Michel said on Twitter. “We will hold the Kremlin accountable.”
EU leaders convened an emergency summit on Thursday night.
At the summit, “there will be discussions on this crisis and further restrictive measures”, which will “impose massive and severe consequences on Russia for its actions,” Leiena and Michel said in a joint statement.
The EC will outline leaders on the new sanctions, which will be added to Wednesday’s initial round of sanctions announced after Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recognition of the “independence” of the separatist formations in Donbass.
According to Leiena and Michel, they expect EU leaders to “adopt the new sanctions soon”.
“We are coordinating our response with our international partners, including NATO and the G7, whose leaders will meet today (Thursday),” they said.
Putin said on Thursday that Russia was launching an attack on Ukraine.
Russia is carrying out attacks on military infrastructure and airfields in Ukraine, the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces said on Thursday, describing the situation as controllable.
The news of the landing of Russia in Odessa is not true.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitro Kuleba has previously confirmed a “general attack” on Ukraine.
A “Russian military offensive operation to destroy the Ukrainian state is under way,” the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
“Our defenders are ready to repel the country’s aggressor and will do everything in their power to protect Ukraine’s land,” the statement said, urging the West to impose new sanctions on Russia immediately.
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