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The European Union is ready to impose sanctions on Russia not only in the event of a new invasion of Ukraine, but also in the event of Moscow's recognition of the independence of Donetsk and Luhansk.

This was announced by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell

Josep Boról Fontales was a Spanish politician from the Spanish Socialist Workers' Conference at a press conference after today's meeting of European foreign ministers in Brussels, BTA reported.

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NATO-Russia tension 507

In such a step, I will propose to EU ministers to approve the sanctions prepared by the European Commission.

The decision must be unanimous, he explained.

We are ready to respond strongly and unitedly if necessary, but we hope it will not be necessary, said Borel.

We understand that there is no final decision yet and we call on President Vladimir Putin not to recognize the independence of Luhansk and Donetsk, he added.

Putin: Russia is considering recognizing the independence of the breakaway Ukrainian regions

Borrell added that sanctions would also affect Belarus if action was taken against or with the country's participation.

Belarus is losing its sovereignty by accepting Russian troops, and the country's non-nuclear status is in question, he said.

According to him, today European ministers have condemned Russia's behavior, congratulated Ukraine on its restraint and decided to send specialists in support of Kiev to combat cyber incidents.

According to Borel, it is possible that European ministers will express their sympathy with Ukraine by convening a meeting in Kiev.

EU responds to Ukraine: It is too early for new sanctions against Russia

The diplomatic missions in Kiev of the EU and the EU countries, except for one, remain open and working, he added, without specifying which country is withdrawing its representatives.

Ukraine's European perspective is clear, we are helping with reforms, and perhaps this is Moscow's problem, because Ukraine does not pose a military threat to Russia.

Democratic Ukraine is a threat to Russia's political system, Borel said.

The Russian leadership must decide how it wants to be appreciated by the international community and history, the High Representative said. 

Everything on the topic:

NATO-Russia tension 507

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NATO-Russia tensions

Josep Borrell

Russia

European Union

sanctions

Donetsk

Lugansk