Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands have recommended that their nationals leave Ukrainian soil, France has since Saturday advised its nationals not to travel to Ukraine. The declarations of the European Union are multiplying to put pressure on Moscow.
Statement by the Commission following the second videoconference called by US President Joe Biden
Friday, President von der Leyen took part in the second videoconference hosted by US President Joe Biden to take stock of developments in the crisis caused by Russia’s aggressive behaviour vis à vis Ukraine, and to discuss ongoing close efforts to ensure a united and effective response.
The leaders assessed the significant diplomatic outreach to Russia to convince it to de-escalate the crisis and choose the path of dialogue.
They also underscored their resolute support to Ukraine. This includes in particular the speedy progress made in the final adoption of the support package of €1.2 billion in the form of an emergency financial assistance package.
The leaders took note of their ongoing detailed cooperation in the finalisation of massive sanctions against Russia. President von der Leyen described the state-of-play on the sectoral and individual sanctions in the case of further military aggression by Russia against Ukraine. She reaffirmed the fact that all options were on the table and that sanctions would concern the financial and energy sectors, as well as exports of high-tech products.
In parallel, the Commission has continued its work on preparedness in particular in the area of energy, reaching out to the EU’s partners in order to ensure additional supplies of natural gas / LNG in case of delivery disruptions by Russia. The President thanked President Joe Biden for his support in these efforts.
Finally, the President noted the need to continue fighting Russian disinformation through effective strategic communication efforts.
Talks between Björn Seibert, Head of Cabinet of President von der Leyen, and Jake Sullivan, US National Security Advisor
Björn Seibert, Head of Cabinet of President von der Leyen, had a discussion last night with US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on the evolution of the situation in Ukraine.
They coordinated on transatlantic preparations of a robust package of sanctions, which would be deployed swiftly in case of further military aggression of Russia in Ukraine. They also discussed concrete steps to support the Ukrainian economy.
Moreover, they exchanged views on the EU-US Strategic Partnership on Energy Security and the additional steps that will be taken to prepare for any future disruption of energy supplies to Europe. Energy cooperation between the EU and the US is intensifying, in accordance with the Joint Statement by Presidents Joe Biden and Ursula von der Leyen, and following the US-EU Energy Council, which took place in Washington DC last week.
Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on diplomatic presence in Kyiv
They also agreed to step up the joint work on the COVID-19 pandemic and global health security, as well as on the global economic recovery and partnership on international infrastructure development through Global Gateway and the Build Back Better World initiative.
The EU and its member states are coordinating their actions in view of the current threats on Ukraine.
Our diplomatic missions are not closing. They remain in Kyiv and continue to operate in support to EU citizens and in cooperation with the Ukrainian authorities. Staff presence and travel advice to EU citizens are being adjusted as necessary to take into account security circumstances.
We reaffirm our continued support to Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty and diplomatic efforts towards de-escalation. We recall that any further military aggression against Ukraine will have massive consequences and severe cost in response.
