The Kremlin will have to “be held to account”, EU chiefs Charles Michel and Ursula von der Leyen warned on Thursday after the launch of a Russian military operation against Ukraine. “We strongly condemn Russia’s unjustified attack on Ukraine. In these dark hours, our thoughts are with Ukraine and the innocent women, men and children who face this unprovoked attack and fear for their lives,” they added.
To show its determination not to let Kiev down and above all to send a strong signal to Vladimir Putinthe European Union wants to speak with one voice on Ukraine. The emergency European summit to be held this Thursday in Brussels will have to show that “we are united” and that “the European family is coming together”, estimated the Elysée on Wednesday.
Economic and migratory consequences
During this summit, which will be attended by Emmanuel Macron, the 27 intend to prepare sanctions against Russia. The first EU sanctions came into force on Wednesday evening against Moscow in response to Monday’s recognition of the independence of separatist territories in eastern Ukraine. Discussions will also focus on the economic and migration consequences of the crisis.
As for the possibility of Russian attacks against other countries, Paris saw on Wednesday “no identified risks” but said it was still “very vigilant” in view of “the behavior of Vladimir Putin and the mistreatment applied to the Ukrainian”.
Source: 20minutes
