EU: Russian ceasefire seems an attempt to buy time to replenish and regroup troops
January 9, 2023

EU: Russian ceasefire seems an attempt to buy time to replenish and regroup troops


On 6 January, EU High Representative Josep Borrell discussed by phone with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba the latest developments in Ukraine following intensified Russian missile and drone strikes on critical infrastructure, including residential buildings, in recent weeks.

Borrell condemned in the strongest possible terms these barbaric attacks that indiscriminately destroy infrastructure, residential and medical facilities, deliberately targeting and killing civilians, an EU press release said.. 

The EU said these attacks contradicted the ceasefire unilaterally declared by Russian President Putin on 5 January: “Such a ceasefire does not change the fact that Russia is illegally occupying parts of Ukraine’s territory. Withdrawal of Russian troops and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders is the only serious option to restore peace and security. In the absence of such concrete actions, a unilateral ceasefire seems only as Russia’s attempt to buy time to replenish and regroup its troops or to repair its destroyed international reputation.”

Borrell and Kuleba also discussed the preparations of the next Foreign Affairs Council on 23 January 2023, which the Ukrainian Foreign Minister will attend by videoconference. They also discussed the EU-Ukraine summit scheduled for 3 February 2023.

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Press release



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