The First EU Sanctions Against Russia to Be Adopted Today

The first EU sanctions against Russia will be adopted today, but this will not be the entirety of the EU's response to the recognition of the Lugansk and Donetsk People's Republics; it is still too early to discuss details. This was announced by the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, upon arriving in Paris, where he will participate in an informal forum of EU and Pacific region foreign ministers.

“I have decided to call an informal meeting of the EU Council at the ministerial level here in Paris, following the meeting on the Pacific region. The ministers will determine the European response, which will take the form of sanctions,” Borrell stated, emphasizing that the scope of the sanctions will be discussed, but it will not constitute the EU's complete response.

“I am confident that the decision regarding sanctions will be adopted unanimously,” he stressed. “This morning we have already started working on preparing the text. This does not mean that we will make all our decisions today. For now, I cannot share more details,” Borrell added, noting that the sanctions will be coordinated with the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

He believes that the possible entry of Russian troops into Donbas is not a large-scale invasion but rather forces located on Ukrainian territory. “Russian troops have entered Donbas, and Donbas is part of Ukraine, thus, undoubtedly, Russian troops are in Ukraine. I wouldn’t say this is a large-scale invasion, but Russian troops are on Ukrainian soil,” Borrell said.

Previously, EU leaders had announced that strict economic sanctions against Russia would be implemented in the event of a “large-scale invasion of Ukraine.” According to sources, prior to this, the EU is discussing the imposition of sanctions against individuals responsible for the recognition of the LPR and DPR.

It was earlier reported that Russia has officially recognized the independence of the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics and signed treaties of friendship, cooperation, and support with them. The respective documents were signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday evening.