Borrell: ‘These are among the darkest hours of Europe since the Second World War’
February 24, 2022

Borrell: ‘These are among the darkest hours of Europe since the Second World War’


EU High Representative Josep Borrell this morning confirmed that he would outline with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen a further sanctions package in close coordination with the EU’s partners. According to Borrell, the Council will adopt them swiftly.

These are among the darkest hours of Europe since the Second World War,” Borrell said, adding: “This is not only the greatest violation of international law, it is a violation of the basic principles of human co-existence. It is costing many lives with unknown consequences ahead of us.This is not a question of blocs, this is not a question of diplomatic power games. It is a matter of life and death. It is about the future of our global community.”

The EU will respond in the strongest possible terms and agree on the harshest package of sanctions we have ever implemented. President Putin needs to stop this senseless aggression.”

Borrell said the EU would also immediately design an urgent assistance to Ukraine in this dire situation and would be active in supporting evacuation operations. 

He added that “in these dark hours, our thoughts are with Ukraine and the innocent women, men and children as they face this unprovoked attack and fear for their lives”, adding that the EU “will hold the Kremlin accountable”.

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Press release

EU High Representative Josep Borrell account on Twitter



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