Ukraine on the Brink... EU to Hold Emergency Summit on the Evening of the 24th

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] As tensions surrounding Ukraine escalate, European Union (EU) leaders will hold an emergency summit on the 24th (local time).

According to the Guardian and other sources on the 23rd, Charles Michel, President of the EU Council, sent invitations to member state leaders for the EU summit to be held in Brussels on the evening of the 24th. The 27 EU heads of state and leaders are expected to gather to discuss response measures to Russia's invasion.

In the invitation, President Michel stated, "In the 21st century, there is no place for force or coercion to change borders," criticizing, "Russia's aggressive actions violate international law as well as Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty." He also pointed out that "Russia is undermining the security order of Europe."

President Michel explained that "it is important for us to remain united, strengthen our resolve, and respond jointly," and that the summit will discuss protecting the international order, responding to Russia, and ways to support Ukraine.

Earlier, the EU held an emergency foreign ministers' meeting in Paris, unanimously agreeing on new sanctions against Russia.

The EU decided to ban trade between itself and the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) and Luhansk People's Republic (LPR) in the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine, whose independence was recognized by President Vladimir Putin the previous day. Sanctions will also be imposed on banks funding Russian decision-makers, businesses in the two Donbas regions, and individuals including Sergei Shoigu, Russia's Minister of Defense.