The foreign ministers firmly, unanimously and strongly condemned the Russian Federation’s decision to unilaterally recognise the “independence” of Donetsk and Luhansk. The ministers called on the Russian Federation to de-escalate the situation and withdraw the decisions that are contrary to the international law, the United Nations Charter and the fundamental documents of the European security architecture. They also expressed their full support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine and its people.

The ministers reached a political agreement on the coordination of the Union’s diplomatic activities. They also agreed to adopt the first package of targeted restrictive measures against individuals, members of the State Duma who voted in favour of the illegal decision, decision-makers responsible for violating the territorial integrity of Ukraine, representatives of the defence branch leading activities associated with the destabilisation and disinformation campaign, and against the financial institutions of those decision-makers and financial institutions that contributed to the recognition of the self-proclaimed People’s Republics of Donetsk and Luhansk contrary to international law.

In the debate, Minister Logar also stressed the need to give Ukraine a clear European perspective.

The EU will work closely with like-minded partners and allies, such as the US, Canada and the United Kingdom, in the adoption of restrictive measures.