The largest faction of the conservative European People’s Party (EPP) in the European Parliament called on the European Union to immediately introduce new sanctions against Russia to gradually exclude this country from the European economy. The corresponding statement, the reason for which was the recognition by Moscow of the separatist “republics” of Donbass, was published on Tuesday, February 22, on its website.
For a new package of sanctions against the Russian Federation
The EPP called the recognition of the so-called “DNR” and “LNR” a flagrant violation of international law, the territorial integrity of Ukraine and the Minsk agreements. “The recognition of two separatist territories in Ukraine is a flagrant violation of international law, the territorial integrity of Ukraine and the Minsk agreements. This unilateral escalation of the conflict will lead to the Russian military occupation of Donetsk and Luhansk. The EU’s reaction must be immediate. A new package of sanctions must be adopted with the aim of a gradual and uncompromising blocking Russia in the European economy,” the statement said.
For comprehensive military support to Ukraine
At the same time, the EPP believes that Ukraine “cannot win the war only with the help of European sanctions” and it needs to be provided with comprehensive military support from NATO and EU partners.
“The EU’s geopolitical vacation is over. Faced with war in Europe, the relevance of a valid foreign and security policy is an existential necessity to protect our sovereignty and our way of life,” said EPP chief Manfred Weber.
For the immediate withdrawal of military equipment of the Russian Federation from the territory of Ukraine
“By a further invasion of Ukraine, Vladimir Putin is committing political suicide and throwing his own country back several decades. Now all his many masks have been thrown off. For the threats and use of force, Putin and his proxies should be brought before an international tribunal,” EPP Vice-Chairman Rasa said. Yuknevicene.
The EPP calls on Russian President Vladimir Putin to “immediately and unconditionally stop all aggressive actions and withdraw all military equipment, personnel and troops from the territory of Ukraine, including from Crimea and Eastern Ukraine.”
Emergency meeting of foreign ministers of EU member states
On the evening of February 21, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed decrees recognizing the independence of the “DNR” and “LNR”, which caused sharp criticism in the West. On Tuesday, February 22, an emergency meeting of the foreign ministers of the EU member states will be held in Paris. It is expected that part of the sanctions against Russia will be adopted as a result of its results. Penalties will apply to those involved in the recognition of the “DNR” and “LNR”. Great Britain also intends to impose new sanctions on the Russian Federation.
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Author: Irina Filatova, Vitaly Kropman
