Words and statements not enough to deter Russian aggression against Ukraine - Borrell

20.12.2021 12:44

Ukrinform

The security situation resulting from a build-up of Russian troops around Ukraine's borders has become a major issue for world politics, but words and statements are not enough to deter Russian aggression.

According to Ukrinform, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell wrote this in his blog, which was published on the website of the European External Action Service on Sunday, December 19.

"We know that words and statements alone are not enough to change the calculus of the Russian leadership and that is why it is so important that EU leaders decided to roll over existing economic sanctions and warned that any Russian move against Ukraine would carry heavy consequences. This has been underlined by both the President of the Council and the President of the Commission," Borrell said.

He recalled that the military build-up of Russian troops at the Ukrainian border, combined with the escalation of threats and subversive actions aimed at Ukraine, have dominated the international news and diplomacy in recent weeks. "They have led to a flurry of activities at all levels and in all fora: the G7, NATO, the OSCE as well as bilaterally. Logically, it was also at the heart of EU foreign policy this week, first on Monday when EU Foreign Ministers met; at the European Parliament debates on Tuesday, at the Eastern Partnership Summit on Wednesday and at the European Council on Thursday," Borrell said.

"On Ukraine, everyone agreed that it is a moment to be firm and united and to deter possible further Russian moves. We have to uphold the core principles on which European security is built, and which are also enshrined in the Paris Charter of 1990 and the CSCE/OSCE Helsinki Final Act – all signed by Russia," he said.

He recalled that such basic principles of European security include respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, the inviolability of internationally recognized borders, and the freedom of countries to decide their foreign policy and security arrangements.

"The European Council agreed on sending a strong message to the Russian leadership that any action against Ukraine and those principles, by military or hybrid means, would have serious consequences," Borrell said.

He noted that Russia's ultimate intentions are not clear, except that it seeks to threaten and weaken Ukraine, so different scenarios can unfold.

Borrell recalled that the EU has been working with Ukraine for years, including through the EU Advisory Mission on civilian security sector reform within the framework of the Common Defense and Security Policy. He said the European Commission had recently added a EUR 31 million support package to the Ukrainian army under the European Peace Facility, for the provision of military medical and cyber defense support.