EU to launch new sanctions against Russia over "barbaric" attack on Ukraine

Early this morning, Russian forces invaded Ukraine, a free and sovereign country. Once again, in the centre of Europe, innocent women, men and children are dying or fear for their lives. We condemn this barbaric attack, and the cynical arguments used to justify it. #Eussia #Ukraine #WAR #EuropeanUnion President Putin is responsible for bringing war back to Europe. In these dark hours, the European Union stands together with Ukraine and its people. What we are facing is an unprecedented act of aggression by the Russian leadership against a sovereign, independent country. Russia's target is not just Donbass, the target is not just Ukraine, the target is stability in Europe and the whole international rules-based order. For that, we will hold Russia accountable. Later today, we will present a package of massive and targeted sanctions, to European Leaders for their approval. With this package, we will target strategic sectors of the Russian economy by blocking their access to key technologies and markets. We will weaken Russia's economic base and its capacity to modernise. In addition, we will freeze Russian assets in the EU and stop the access of Russian banks to the European financial market. Like with the first package of sanctions, we are closely aligned with partners and allies. These sanctions are designed to take a heavy toll on the Kremlin's interests and on their ability to finance the war. We know that millions of Russians do not want this war. President Putin is trying to turn back the clock to the times of the Russian empire. But in doing so, he is putting at risk the future of the Russian people. I call on Russia to immediately stop the violence and to withdraw its troops from Ukraine's territory. We will not let President Putin tear down the security architecture that has given Europe peace and stability over the past decades. We will not allow President Putin to replace the rule of law with the rule of force and ruthlessness. He should not underestimate the resolve and strength of our democracies. History has proven: Societies and alliances built on trust and freedom are resilient and successful. And this is exactly what autocrats fear. The European Union stands with Ukraine and its people. We will continue to support them. Ukraine will prevail. https://eudebates.tv/ #eudebates European Union leaders will discuss new, tough sanctions on Russia at an emergency meeting later on Thursday in reaction to its "barbaric attack" on Ukraine, the 27-nation bloc's officials said. Russian forces fired missiles at several cities in Ukraine and landed troops on its coast on Thursday, officials and media said, after President Vladimir Putin authorised what he called a special military operation in the east. "President Putin is responsible for bringing war back to Europe," European Commission chief, Ursula von der Leyen said, adding that the EU would hold him "accountable for that." "With this package, we will target strategic sectors of the Russian economy by blocking their access to key technologies and markets," she said in an emergency statement. "We will weaken Russia's economic base and its capacity to modernise." "In addition, we will freeze Russian assets in the EU and stop the access of Russian banks to the European financial market." The EU approved a first round of sanctions on Wednesday, including blacklisting Russian politicians and curbing trade between the EU and two breakaway regions of eastern Ukraine whose independence Putin has recognised. The new measures to be discussed at an evening summit of national EU leaders starting at 1900 GMT will be "the harshest package of sanctions we have ever implemented," the bloc's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said. "This is among the darkest hours for Europe since the end of World War 2... Russia's leadership will face unprecedented isolation." The EU will also prepare a new aid package for Ukraine, he added. Shortly after Putin spoke in a televised address on Russian state TV, explosions could be heard in the pre-dawn quiet of the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv. Gunfire rattled near the capital's main airport, the Interfax news agency said, and sirens were heard over the city.