The European Council has published conclusions on Russia's military aggression against Ukraine.
In this document, the European Council demands that Russia immediately ceases its military aggression on the territory of Ukraine, immediately withdraws all forces and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine, and respect the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.
The European Council also appeals to Russia to urgently guarantee the safe passage of civilians in all war areas, release all hostages immediately, ensure uninterrupted humanitarian aid access, and establish humanitarian corridors.
"Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine grossly violates international law and is causing massive loss of life and injury to civilians. Russia is directing attacks against the civilian population and is targeting civilian objects, including hospitals, medical facilities, schools and shelters. These war crimes must stop immediately. Those responsible, and their accomplices, will be held to account in accordance with international law. The siege of Mariupol and other Ukrainian cities and the denial of humanitarian access by Russian military forces are unacceptable. Russian forces must immediately provide for safe pathways to other parts of Ukraine, as well as humanitarian aid to be delivered to Mariupol and other besieged cities," - says the document.
"The European Union is committed to ensuring continuous and uninterrupted electricity and gas flows to Ukraine. The recent synchronization of Ukrainian and Moldovan electricity grids with the EU's grids is a remarkable achievement. It shows that our futures are now interconnected. The safety of Ukrainian nuclear facilities must be ensured, including with the support of the International Atomic Energy Agency," - says the message.
The European Union stands by Ukraine and its people, and the European Council reaffirms the Versailles Declaration, acknowledging the European aspirations and the European choice of Ukraine, as stated in the Association Agreement. The European Union will continue to provide coordinated political, financial, material and humanitarian support.
The European Union is also committed to supporting the Ukrainian government in its immediate needs and, as soon as the Russian attack ends, in rebuilding the country.