EU will provide weapons for Ukraine’s armed forces

PanARMENIAN.Net - EU high representative for foreign affairs and security policy Josep Borrell has declared that the bloc will provide weapons for Ukraine’s armed forces, amid fierce battles throughout the country.

"The facts are that Russia, a major nuclear power, has attacked and invaded a peaceful and democratic neighbouring country, which posed no threat to it, nor provoked it. Moreover, president Putin is threatening reprisals on any other state that may come to the rescue of the people of Ukraine. Such use of force and coercion has no place in the 21st century," Borrell said in an article published by The Guardian.

"What Putin is doing is not only a grave violation of international law, it is a violation of the basic principles of human coexistence. With his choice to bring war back to Europe, we see the return of the “law of the jungle” where might makes right. The target is not only Ukraine, but the security of Europe and the whole international rules-based order, based on the UN system and international law."

"Russia must cease its military operations immediately, and unconditionally withdraw from the entire territory of Ukraine. The same goes for Belarus, which has to immediately stop its involvement in this aggression and respect its international obligations. The European Union is united in offering its strong support to Ukraine and its people. This is a matter of life and death. I am preparing an emergency package to support the Ukrainian armed forces in their fight."

Borrell added that the international community will now in response opt for a full-scale isolation of Russia, to hold Putin accountable for the aggression. According to him, the West is sanctioning those who finance the war, crippling the Russian banking system and its access to international reserves.