In his statement to the media following the meeting, he said that today was mainly about exchanging information, particularly with those who were more actively engaged in diplomatic conciliation over the past few weeks." For some, this was not new, as they exchanged information regularly. The general view is to monitor the situation and react according to the principles on which the EU operates and all the commitments made by individual parties so far," said the Prime Minister.

On the imposition of sanctions, the Prime Minister said that the European Commission informed European leaders today that it was preparing to impose sanctions, that there was also a broader consultation with other actors outside the EU, not only with the US, and that everything depended on how things developed. "Slovenia fully supports the EU's de-escalation efforts. I regret that Mr Putin is often a step ahead in such manoeuvers and that it is perhaps only in recent weeks that there has been a great unity in the West, so that this will be much more difficult in the future," said the Prime Minister, adding that not all escalation benefits Vladimir Putin either.

"The situation changes every day, but at the same time, paradoxically, it has been exactly the same for several years. In the conversations I have had with representatives of the Ukrainian authorities, they have told me that nothing dramatic has happened recently and that what is happening now, and what is under the global spotlight, is something that they have been dealing with ever since the occupation of Crimea, and that the fact that Russia moves its forces a few kilometres to the left or to the right does not mean anything, because that can change overnight," said the Prime Minister, adding that the aim is to weaken Ukraine over the long run. "I believe this is the Kremlin’s primary objective. Ukraine began its journey of independence with a population of over 50 million, while today they are at 38 million. Ukraine's development prospects are deteriorating drastically. Recent tensions have resulted in a massive flight of capital from Ukraine, which needs investment and jobs, but unfortunately, capital has gone the other way. Underlying all this pressure from the Kremlin is the weakening of Ukraine and, ultimately, the obliteration of Ukraine as a sovereign, independent country," said the Prime Minister. In his view, it is in the strategic interest of the EU that Ukraine remain a sovereign and independent country. "The battle for Europe depends on the fate of Ukraine," stressed the Prime Minister.

Referring to the sanctions, the Prime Minister added that, for the time being, sanctions are being mentioned in the field of technology, in areas that are in some way of strategic importance when it comes to dual use, i.e. the military use of certain technologies. "The vast majority of Slovenia's trade with the Russian Federation does not involve this field. But should the situation escalate further, we will all suffer losses and we will all find ourselves on the losing side," the Prime Minister said, adding that this is why Slovenia strongly supported "those who are working to ease tensions and to find peaceful solutions to outstanding issues".

"Security is an important topic and we talk about security all the time, but what we really need is more action. We have seen a lot of action and efforts in recent weeks, and it seems to me that, for the first time, the real strength of the European Union is beginning to show. The 27 EU Member States are not completely unanimous on this matter, but we are in greater agreement than at any time in recent history," the Prime Minister added.

Asked whether he would advise Russian President Vladimir Putin not to go against the European Union because this would come at a heavy cost, Prime Minister Janša said that he would not choose such harsh words, but he would stress that the further escalation of conflicts and tensions would "not bring victory, only defeat".