Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis: by helping Ukraine to defend itself, we are helping Europe too
On 25 February, Minister of Foreign Affairs Gabrielius Landsbergis attended the Extraordinary Foreign Affairs Council of the European Union (EU) taking place in Brussels, Belgium, held in response to the military aggression against Ukraine. The Ministers adopted legislation approving the second sanctions package against Russia and additional forms of assistance to Ukraine.
the second sanctions package against Russia and additional forms of assistance to Ukraine.
“Today, Ukraine fights for its right to exist, for its freedom and ability to choose. But make no mistake: Ukraine is not the only one under attack today. Currently, it fights for the fate and future of the entire democratic Europe. The new sanction package adopted today is another step forward coordinated with our partners, but it will not be enough to stop Russia’s military invasion,” Minister Landsbergis said and further encouraged to continue actions by isolating Russia politically and economically, and to immediately agree upon the preparation of the third package, which would involve disconnecting Russian banks from the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT), restrictive measures imposed on Russia’s economic sectors, and extensive individual sanctions against persons, oligarchs and businesses.
Ukraine’s Foreign Affairs Minister Dmytro Kuleba attended the Council session remotely; he provided an overview of the situation in Ukraine and discussed possible EU economic and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine.
“We must support the nation under attack by all possible means: Ukraine’s defenders need fuel, protective measures and defence systems. They do not lack motivation; however, it is our responsibility to strengthen our support and to expand European economic and humanitarian assistance package,” Minister Landsbergis said.
During the Council session the Ministers approved new targeted sanctions against Russia’s financial, energy and transport sectors, including export control and prohibition of export funding, by restricting Russia’s abilities to use essential technologies, as well as sanctions regarding visa policy. EU Ministers also adopted new criteria, on the basis of which EU countries will be able to impose sanctions against oligarchs.
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