European Union to further increase pressure on Russia over its aggression against Ukraine

As Ukrinform reports, this is stated in the text of the European Council conclusions on Ukraine and security and defence adopted at the meeting of EU heads of state and government in Brussels on Thursday.

“The European Council discussed efforts to further increase pressure on Russia in order to weaken its ability to wage its war of aggression, including through sanctions, their full and effective implementation and the prevention of their circumvention. In this context, it welcomes the adoption of the 11th package of sanctions. The European Council calls on the co-legislators to swiftly finalise work on the proposed Directive approximating criminal offences and penalties for the violation of Union restrictive measures,” reads the document.

At the same time, the European Council condemned the illegal actions of Russia and its accomplice, Belarus, directed against the civilian population of Ukraine.

“The European Council condemns in the strongest terms Russia’s unlawful deportation and transfer to Russia and to Belarus of Ukrainian children and other civilians. It calls on the Russian Federation and Belarus to immediately ensure their safe return,” the resolution underscores.

The European leaders condemned the continued military support for Russia’s war of aggression provided by Iran and Belarus.

“Belarus must stop allowing Russian armed forces to use its territory, including for the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons. Iran must stop providing drones to Russia,” the document says.

In the adopted resolution, the European Union reiterated its commitment to reinforce support for displaced persons, both in Ukraine and in the European Union, including through adequate and flexible financial assistance to the Member States who carry the largest burden of the medical, education and living costs of refugees.