“We woke up to a completely different world yesterday. The rules-based world order has been called into question by the Kremlin and we must oppose it by all means,” said Prime Minister Kaja Kallas after the European Council in Brussels. “The situation in Ukraine is heart-breaking. An attack on an independent state is unreasonable and unacceptable. Estonia and the European Union unequivocally and completely condemn the attack on Ukraine, and therefore we will punish the aggressor with severe sanctions. We stand and act in unison: the imposing of sanctions to companies, politicians, and their relatives is intended to punish, discourage new attacks, and weaken attackers,” the prime minister noted.
Work is still under way to agree on the latest details of the sanctions package. The sanctions also affect Belarus, which is participating in the aggression along with Russia. The sanctions have been prepared with the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and other partners.
The sanctions include the financial sector, the energy and transport sectors, dual-use goods, export controls and export financing, visa policy, as well as the inclusion of additional Russian citizens on the sanctions list. In particular, banking transactions with Russian banks and the financing of the Russian state and its state-owned enterprises and the movement of capital between the European Union and Russia (including stock exchange quotations) are restricted. The export of technology and (spare) parts to oil and refineries and aviation is also banned. In addition, a visa requirement will be imposed on Russian diplomats. The list of personal sanctions will be supplemented by members of the Russian State Duma and Security Council and Belarusian citizens who have contributed to the attack on Ukraine.
The Council also adopted a joint statement by European heads of state and government condemning the military aggression of Russia against Ukraine, calling Russia responsible. The leaders of the European Union acknowledged the European aspirations of Ukraine and emphasised the free choice of each country in deciding its future. The heads of state and government demand that Russia immediately end all military action, withdraw its troops, and respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. European heads of state and government reaffirm their full support for the Ukrainian state and people in the statement.
Joint statement by the European Council:
https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2022/02/24/european-council-conclusions-24-february-2022/
