January 24, 2022
2 mins read

Ukraine standoff: EU ready with contingency plan

EU has reaffirmed its full and unquestionable support to Ukraine and that any military aggression against Ukraine will have serious consequences and massive costs for the perpetrator…reports Asian Lite News

The European Union (EU) is prepared to defend against any possible Russian cyber-attacks or hybrid threats if it invades Ukraine and is “very well advanced” in its preparation for a response to any aggression, the EU’s top diplomat, Josep Borrell, said in Brussels.

He told journalists on Monday following a meeting of the EU member states’ Foreign Ministers that the bloc was united in its approach.

“The Russian military build-up in and around Ukraine and Russia’s attempts to recreate dividing lines on our continent undermine the core foundations and principles on which European security is built and bring back dark memories of the spheres of influence, which do not belong to the 21st century,” Borrell added.

Joseph Borrell visits Ukraine Pic credits @JosepBorrellF

He said that the EU has reaffirmed its full and unquestionable support to Ukraine and that any military aggression against Ukraine will have serious consequences and massive costs for the perpetrator, Xinhua news agency reported.

He added that the Foreign Ministers had a long exchange with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on the way ahead. Borrell said that collective diplomatic efforts will continue to convince Russia to take the path of dialogue “even though the Russian rhetoric does not aspire a lot of confidence.”

He urged Russia to continue engaging with its international partners to explain and debunk disinformation, the “dangerous narratives that are being spread.”

ALSO READ: EU opens Embassy in Kabul

“Should diplomacy fail, we are very advanced in our preparation for a response for any Russian aggression. Certainly, it will be a quick and determined action not only within the EU but also internationally,” he added.

Asked about the lack of details about the potential sanctions against Russia, Borrell said that there was “no reason for worry” and added that “the measures will be implemented at an appropriate moment if it comes.”

Earlier on Monday, European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen announced that the EU Executive wants to provide Ukraine with a new financial aid package to help it overcome the current crisis with Russia.

The first tranche will be 1.2 billion euros ($1.36 billion) in loans and grants. It will require the approval of the EU Council and the European Parliament, according to a Commission statement.

Relations between Ukraine and Russia deteriorated recently, with both sides deploying large numbers of military personnel and equipment in their border areas.

The US, Ukraine, and NATO have accused Russia of having assembled heavy troops near the eastern border of Ukraine, with a possible intention of “invasion.” Russia denied the accusation, saying that it has the right to mobilise troops within its borders to defend its territory as NATO’s activities constitute a threat to Russia’s border security.

ALSO READ: Pakistan-Europe flight resumption hits snag again

Previous Story

Desi Music Factory collaborates with ‘Selfiee’ of Akshay and Imran

Next Story

US troops on high alert over Ukraine tensions

Latest from -Top News

US committed great crime: Iran

Iran has now called for an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council and demanded the IAEA Board of Governors address the situation….reports Asian Lite News Iran has strongly condemned the United

Strike Iran, Face Us, Houthis warn US

The Yemen-based Houthi group, which controls much of northern Yemen, has been targeting Israel since November 2023…reports Asian Lite News Yemen’s Houthi group issued a stark warning on Sunday, declaring they would

Tehran Hits Back After US Strikes

The missiles struck several locations across central Israel. Notably, one hit Haifa without any prior warning sirens, raising alarm over possible gaps in the missile alert system….reports Asian Lite News Iran fired

Trump Dares Iran Again

This comes as Trump announced that America had bombed three nuclear sites in Iran and warned Tehran of further precision strikes…reports Asian Lite News US President Donald Trump declared that no other
Go toTop

Don't Miss

EU ready with ‘sanction package’ against Russia

The package contains a number of “calibrated measures” targeting banks

Kiev Struggles With US Weapon Restrictions

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for permission to use