Any further steps of Russia to destabilize situation in Ukraine would lead to sanctions and far reaching consequences – EU Council
The Council of the European Union has threatened to apply economic sanctions with far reaching consequences for bilateral relations if Moscow takes further steps to destabilize the situation in Ukraine, read the conclusions of the Council of the European Union approved by EU Foreign Ministers in Luxembourg on Monday.
"The council notes that any further steps by the Russian Federation to destabilize the situation in Ukraine would lead to additional and far reaching consequences for relations in a broad range of economic areas between the European Union and its Member States, on the one hand, and the Russian Federation, on the other hand," reads the document.
In this respect, the council noted that the preparatory work by the Commission and Member States is underway on possible targeted measures, as requested by the European Council in March "so that further steps can be taken should events require."
Moreover, the EU once again stated that it "reiterates its strong condemnation of the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol to the Russian Federation and will not recognize it. In view of this the EU welcomes the adoption of the resolution of the United Nations General Assembly No. 68/262.
Besides, the council said it looks forward to the commission's evaluation of the legal consequences of the annexation of Crimea and to the related proposals for economic, trade and financial restrictions regarding Crimea.
According to the document, EU reiterates the importance of Russia's and Ukraine's engagement in a meaningful dialogue, including through the establishment of a "multilateral mechanism, with a view to finding a political solution, based on full respect for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, including the right of Ukraine to decide on its own constitution and political future."
"The European Union is ready to participate in such an international mechanism. In this context, the council welcomes the forthcoming meeting with the participation of the High Representative and Foreign Ministers of Ukraine, Russia and the United States, as a possible start of a substantial de-escalation process," the provisions of the EU Council over Ukraine said.
