EU leaders plan raft of restrictive measures in first response to Russian invasion

The prime ministers of the European Union have condemned Russia’s unprecedented military aggression against Ukraine, accusing it of violating international law and undermining European and global security and stability.

“We also condemn the involvement of Belarus in this aggression against Ukraine and call on it to abide by its international obligations,” the EU’s leaders said in a joint statement ahead of an 8pm meeting in Brussels today.

The EU demanded that Russia immediately ceases military actions, unconditionally withdraws all forces and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine and fully respects Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence.

“Such use of force and coercion has no place in the 21st century,” they said.

The prime ministers of Europe will meet Thursday evening to agree on further restrictive measures which they said will impose massive and severe consequences on Russia for its actions, in close coordination with the United States of America and Canada.

“We deplore the loss of life and humanitarian suffering. The EU and its Member States are ready to urgently provide humanitarian emergency response. We call on Russia and Russia-backed armed formations to respect international humanitarian law.

“The EU stands firmly by Ukraine and its people as they face this war. The EU will provide further political, financial and humanitarian assistance.

“We are coordinating our response with our neighbours and international partners, including NATO and G7 whose leaders will be meeting shortly.”

The European Parliament Conference of Presidents was also convened by President Roberta Metsola to discuss a response to Russia’s invasion into Ukraine.

“Ukraine is an independent and sovereign nation and its territorial integrity is non-negotiable. The invasion is unjustified and illegal. It is a threat to European and regional stability, as well as to the rules-based world order. The attack targets our model of democratic society. It cannot go unanswered,” Metsola said.