“Russia is undermining European and global security and stability through its unprovoked and unjust military actions,” EU leaders Michel and von der Leyen said in a joint statement. “We call on Russia to immediately cease hostilities. Such use of force and coercion has no place in the 21st century.”
EU leaders, including Prime Minister Mark Rutte, will discuss the consequences for Russia later today in Brussels. The European Commission, the daily EU administration, is currently making the final preparations for a new sanctions package.
Banking system Swift
Commission chairman von der Leyen previously announced that in the event of an invasion, Russia would in principle be cut off from the international banking system Swift. It is also intended that punitive measures will hit the heart of the Russian economy.
The European Union also pledges emergency humanitarian aid to Ukraine. Several member states in the region have already prepared for the arrival of refugees.
‘Severe sanctions’ by US
US President Joe Biden announces “heavy sanctions” against Russia over military incursion into Ukraine. In a brief statement released by the White House, Biden condemned the “unjust attack” by the Russian military. He has informed Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelensky of the steps that the United States will now take.
Biden will meet on Thursday with leaders of the G7, the group of seven major industrialized countries. “The United States and our allies and partners will impose severe sanctions on Russia,” the statement said. “We will continue to provide support to Ukraine and the Ukrainian people.”