The EU will continue to impose sanctions on Russia, closing the loopholes to bypass them – Michel
Charles Michel
Ukraine , Ukrainegate , 25 , March, 2022 | Ukraine News
The European Union and its partners will continue to impose sanctions on Russia for its aggression against Ukraine, as well as to strengthen efforts to close loopholes used to circumvent sanctions. This was written by the President of the European Council Charles Michel in his Twitter on the eve of the second day of the European Council .
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“We will continue to apply sanctions. And we will strengthen our efforts to close loopholes used to circumvent sanctions. This means diplomatic cooperation with third countries that directly or indirectly offers loopholes,” Michel wrote.
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He reminded that a meeting had taken place the day before on the situation in Ukraine, at which the European Council reaffirmed “unshakable European unity” together with allies and partners.
“I proposed to create a fund to support Ukraine. The European Council has taken a step forward in this direction,” he added.
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Following yesterday’s meeting, the European Council reached ten conclusions on Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine. In particular:
Russia’s aggressive war against Ukraine grossly violates international law and leads to mass casualties and injuries among the civilian population. Those responsible and their accomplices will be prosecuted in accordance with international law.
The European Council calls on Russia to ensure the safe passage of civilians in all other areas of hostilities to the destination of their choice, to release all hostages immediately, to ensure uninterrupted humanitarian access and to establish humanitarian corridors.
The European Council demands that Russia immediately cease its military aggression on the territory of Ukraine, immediately and unconditionally withdraw all forces and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine and fully respect Ukraine’s territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence within internationally recognized borders.
The European Council reaffirms the Versailles Declaration, recognizing Ukraine’s European aspirations and European choice, as set out in the Association Agreement. The European Council calls on all countries to join the EU sanctions. Any attempts to circumvent sanctions or help Russia by other means must be stopped.
The European Council pays tribute to all citizens, organizations and governments across Europe that help refugees from Ukraine.
The European Council recognizes all the efforts already made to receive refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine, and calls on all Member States to step up their efforts and invites the European Commission to take all necessary initiatives to promote such efforts.
The European Union is committed to ensuring the uninterrupted and uninterrupted flow of electricity and gas to Ukraine. The safety of Ukraine’s nuclear facilities must be ensured, including with the support of the International Atomic Energy Agency.
The European Union is committed to supporting the Ukrainian government in meeting its urgent needs and, as soon as Russian pressure ceases, restoring a democratic Ukraine. To this end, the European Council agrees to establish a Trust Fund for Solidarity of Ukraine and invites international partners to participate and calls for the immediate start of preparations.
The European Council calls for the timely organization of an international conference to raise funding under the Solidarity Trust Fund of Ukraine.
The European Council reaffirms its commitment to the support of the Republic of Moldova and its people.
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The day before, the United States imposed new sanctions on 328 Russian State Duma deputies, 48 Russian companies related to Russia’s defense sector, Sberbank President Herman Gref, and restricted gold transactions in cooperation with Russia’s central bank. The EU is also working on another package of sanctions.
Source: Ukrgate