European Council ready to provide financial, humanitarian assistance to Ukraine

Members of the European Council have issued a joint statement in which they strongly condemned Russia's military aggression against Ukraine.

The relevant document was published on the European Council’s website.

“We condemn in the strongest possible terms Russia's unprecedented military aggression against Ukraine. By its unprovoked and unjustified military actions, Russia is grossly violating international law and undermining European and global security and stability. We also condemn the involvement of Belarus in this aggression against Ukraine and call on it to abide by its international obligations. We demand that Russia immediately ceases military actions, unconditionally withdraws all forces and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine and fully respects Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence,” reads the document.

It is noted that leaders of the EU countries will meet later today to discuss Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and agree in principle on further restrictive measures that will impose massive and severe consequences on Russia for its action.

“We deplore the loss of life and humanitarian suffering. The EU and its Member States are ready to urgently provide humanitarian emergency response. We call on Russia and Russia-backed armed formations to respect international humanitarian law. The EU stands firmly by Ukraine and its people as they face this war. The EU will provide further political, financial and humanitarian assistance. We are coordinating our response with our neighbours and international partners, including NATO and G7 whose leaders will be meeting shortly,” reads the document.

As reported, the head of the aggressor country, Vladimir Putin, announced the start of a special military operation in Donbas. At around 04:00, on February 24, Russia attacked Ukraine and launched a war.

The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine approved President Volodymyr Zelensky's decree on the imposition of martial law throughout Ukraine.

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