EU Member State Leaders: "Sanctions If Russia Launches Military Attack on Ukraine"

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] The leaders of the 27 European Union (EU) member states announced that they would impose additional sanctions alongside the United States and the United Kingdom if Russia invades Ukraine.

According to Politico and others on the 17th (local time), the EU member state leaders stated in the conclusions released after the EU summit held in Brussels, Belgium the previous day, "There will be severe consequences and harsh costs for any further military attacks on Ukraine," adding that this would include coordinated sanctions with partner countries.

They urged Russia to "urgently reduce the tensions caused by the military buildup at the Ukrainian border" and emphasized their full support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

This message comes amid recent claims that Russia has moved a large force of about 100,000 troops to the border area with Ukraine and is preparing to attack Ukraine early next year. Russia denies the invasion preparations and claims that the West is conducting propaganda to justify strengthening military support for Ukraine.

The EU member state leaders also proposed diplomatic efforts and expressed support for the 'Normandy format' in fully implementing the Minsk agreements to resolve the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. This format refers to the four-party talks involving Ukraine, Russia, Germany, and France aimed at resolving the Ukraine conflict.