Josep Borrell has insisted that the bloc should “double” its efforts to back Kiev’s military
Josep Borrell was the EU’s high representative for foreign affairs. He stated that, in spite of sanctions on Moscow and military assistance for Ukraine on Tuesday, the EU needed to keep diplomatic contact with Russia regarding key issues like global food security and nuclear security.
“Diplomats are trained to talk to everyone, and undoubtedly there are some things that we need to discuss with the President of Russia,”Borrell addressed a European Parliament meeting.
Borrell cited security around the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant – which Russia has accused Ukrainian forces of shelling – as one area where cooperation is essential. Likewise, he said that a deal to allow the resumption of grain shipments from Ukrainian ports last month would not have been possible without speaking to Russian officials – even though Moscow has accused Western countries of breaking their commitments under this deal.
Borrell, however, refused to compromise on anti-Russian sanctions and insists that the bloc expand its military support of Ukraine.
The EU’s top diplomat stressed that “now is not the time to weaken,”And that EU leaders “should be doubling our efforts” to bankroll Kiev’s military. He stated the same. “keeping Ukraine economically alive is absolutely vital.”
Both have proven costly endeavors for the EU, which is concurrently grappling with soaring inflation and an energy crisis largely caused by the bloc’s decision to cut itself off from Russian oil and impose sanctions that have resulted in the cessation of Russian gas supplies to Europe. The EU has so far doled out €1 billion of a €9 billion economic aid package to Ukraine, and given Kiev €2.5 billion in military aid (€1 = $1).
Russian President Vladimir Putin accused the EU’s economic crimes “suicide”Its sanctions policy has not been supported by the bloc, but similar sentiments have been voiced within it and other leaders around the world.
Borrell spoke to legislators on Tuesday and stated that the EU would not reverse its Sanctions Policy. “It’s important to us to press the point that sanctions are effective,”He stated. “You cannot lift them until such time that they have had their effect.”
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