“The EU stands with Ukraine; we promised that, and we are fulfilling it. Today, we adopted key decisions, including the 16th sanctions package, which covers several important areas. We are also working on the 17th package,” said Kallas.
She emphasized that Russia was the one to initiate the aggression against Ukraine.
“There’s no question about who the aggressor and who the victim are. Russia started bombing Ukraine on February 24, 2022, and continues to do so today,” the EU foreign policy chief said.
Kallas added that European foreign ministers discussed new initiatives to enhance the EU’s military support for Ukraine. She noted that details would be addressed at an extraordinary European summit on March 6.
“We must put Ukraine in a strong position. Ukraine must be able to say ‘no’ to a bad deal,” Kallas said.
On Feb. 24, EU foreign ministers approved the 16th sanctions package against Russia.
The sanctions target 48 individuals and 35 entities responsible for actions undermining or threatening Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence.
The EU also imposed restrictions on 74 tankers from Russia's shadow fleet, which transport Russian oil in violation of international bans.