The escalating situation in Ukraine topped the agenda of European Union’s Council of Foreign Affairs that urged Russia to contribute to its stabilisation and decided to impose sanctions on several more individuals over their role in the crisis.
“The European Union condemns actions undertaken by armed individuals in cities of Eastern Ukraine. These attempts at destabilising Ukraine must come to an end. The Council calls on all parties to engage in a dialogue in view of a peaceful solution,” the Council said in conclusions after the meeting.
“The Council decides on expanding the list of those subject to assets freeze and visa ban. The Council reiterates its strong support for Ukraine’s unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and calls upon Russia to do likewise and to repudiate the latest lawless acts in Eastern Ukraine and to contribute to stabilize the situation,” the conclusions read.
The Council urged Russia to “call back its troops from the Ukrainian border and immediately withdraw the mandate of the Federation Council to use force on Ukrainian soil. Any threat or use of force against Ukraine or any other countries is not acceptable and must stop immediately.”
Following the Council’s meeting in Luxembourg, the EU High Representative for Foreign Policy Catherine Ashton said the foreign ministers of the 28-member bloc encouraged Ukrainian authrotieis to contribute further to reducing tensions.
“Utmost restraint is crucial and we commend the Ukrainian authorities for pursuing their law and order operations in a measured manner,” Ashton said.
The EU will continue to support the efforts to stabilise the situation in Ukraine economically, financially and politically, she added.
“With this in mind, we have today approved two key measures in the package of proposals aimed at providing economic and financial support to Ukraine. First, a decision providing up to €1bn in macro-financial assistance to Ukraine to support economic stabilisation and its structural reform agenda. Secondly, a regulation granting unilateral trade preferences to Ukraine,” Ashton said.
The High Representative added that she was in regular touch with the foreign ministers of the United States, Russia and Ukraine and would meet them on Thursday in Geneva.
“The purpose of this meeting is to start a dialogue on how to de-escalate the situation in Ukraine and to ensure that peace and stability returns to the whole of Ukraine,” she said.
Council’s conclusions: http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/EN/foraff/142223.pdf
Ashton’s remarks: http://www.eeas.europa.eu/statements/docs/2014/140414_02_en.pdf
