No decisions on new sanctions and targeted measures against Russia for its invasion of Ukraine concluded the extraordinary meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels, but Foreign Ministers discussed a number of ideas and ways to ensure that the measures already decided on are effectively implemented, High Representative Josep Borel said.
Referring to the discussion, which also involved US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and their counterparts from the UK and Canada, Liz Truss and Melanie Jolie, respectively, he referred to Blinken's statement that the EU and the US and other partners have embarked on a historic partnership. the measures taken) are implemented, to close loopholes" so as to "undermine the functioning of the Russian war machine" he said, while admitting that unfortunately the Russian people would also face repercussions from the sanctions, although the effort was to focus on the oligarchs.
The goal today, according to Mr. Borel, is to prevent the oligarchs from escaping through the familiar tactics of tax evasion and corruption, and to find and freeze their assets.
Asked what the measures under consideration include, he referred to the proposal to add more banks to the SWIFT cut-off and that technical studies are being done to see how more damage can be done to the regime.
Asked to comment on whether other measures such as the closure of EU ports and sanctions in the energy sector were on the table, Borel replied that some countries had put these measures on the table and that ministers had exchanged views on them but there had been no decision.
The High Representative called the attack on a nuclear power plant on Thursday night unacceptable, noting that "it could have catastrophic results and could be an ecological and humanitarian disaster" and called on the Russian military to respect and ensure the security of the entire European continent.
More importantly, he stressed, Russia should stop its aggression and withdraw from the territory of Ukraine, which, he said, also applies to Belarus as an "accomplice" of Russia.
Referring to the humanitarian situation in Ukraine, Mr. Borel said it is becoming increasingly difficult because of the constant bombing which is destroying homes, hospitals and non-military infrastructure, sending the message that Russia wants to destroy Ukraine.
Mr. Borel referred to the UN Human Rights Council's decision to create a special mission to investigate whether international law is being violated in the war in Ukraine, and noted that the outcome of the vote that proved that President Putin's attempt to divide the international community had the opposite effect.
He also stressed the importance of creating humanitarian corridors in Ukraine, as on the one hand refugees and displaced persons are increasing and on the other hand the Red Cross cannot bring aid and food to the civilian population.
The High Representative also recalled that the EU has decided to give protection to those fleeing the war in Ukraine, and that further support is being sent to the frontline states on the border with the country.
Referring to his visit to Moldova and refugee reception points, he expressed the EU's gratitude for the country's efforts, stressing that Moldova is vulnerable and needs support.
He strongly underlined that the war is not a war between east and west, and not a new cold war, but that what Europe wants is to defend the territorial integrity of all states. He also reiterated that Europe and its allies are not enemies of the Russians, but that "the war is Putin's and only Putin can end it."
In response to a question whether the goal of the sanctions is regime change in Russia, Borel said that is not the goal and recalled that the sanctions are a result of the war Moscow started.
Source: CNA
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