In response to Moscow’s flagrant violation of international law, the ministers officially adopted an extensive package of restrictive measures against Russia, based on arrangements made by the leaders of EU member states at the European Council’s meeting held the day before. The package covers the sectors of finance, energy, (air) transport, dual-use goods, export control and financing, and visa policies, as well as individual sanctions aimed at Russian oligarchs and political elites supporting the aggression, and at representatives of Belarusian force structures. A decision was made to freeze V. Putin’s and S. Lavrov’s assets in the EU.

During the meeting, Minister Rau observed that the Russian attack is under way, so the EU must be prepared to make the restrictive measures – both sectoral and individual – even more severe. Poland’s chief diplomat presented specific proposals in this respect.

The minister furthermore called for continued, possibly broadest support for Ukraine from the EU and its member states, pointing out that Kyiv cannot be left alone defending against Russian aggression. He stressed that the key short-term challenge faced by Ukraine is to keep its currency and budget stable. He emphasised that the EU should immediately launch a rescue package for Ukraine which would include a fund to guarantee the issuance of new debt and in-kind assistance to the public.

In this context, the chief of Polish diplomacy pointed to Poland’s bilateral measures to strengthen Ukraine, such as the willingness to welcome Ukrainian refugees, preparation of additional military assistance in response to Kyiv’s request, establishment of a special fund for Ukraine, and the Polish National Bank’s submission of a foreign exchange swap offer to Ukraine.

 

 

 

Łukasz Jasina
MFA Press Spokesperson

 

Photo: Bartosz Peterman / MFA