Borrell in Ukraine, EU full support for Kiev

(ANSA) - BRUSSELS, JANUARY 05 - "We are here first of all to reaffirm the EU's full support for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and also to work together to ease the tensions of the conflict". Thus the EU High Representative, Josep Borrell, on the sidelines of his visit to eastern Ukraine, on the line of contact with pro-Russian separatists, underlining that "Ukraine is part of Europe". "Our main aim is to try to ease tensions through negotiations" and by expressing "a strong and firm stand in support of Ukraine. Both things must go hand in hand," he added. Borrell then stated that "there is noit is security in Europe without security in Ukraine and it is clear that any discussion on European security must include the EU and Ukraine ".

    "The geopolitical landscape is changing very rapidly and the conflict on the border with Ukraine is about to worsen," added Borrell. "The Foreign Council and the EU defense ministers are waiting for us in the next few days and talks are about to begin between Russia, the United States and NATO. So this is a critical moment, the right time to come", underlined the head of EU diplomacy.

    As the European Union, "we are coordinating with the United States, NATO and like-minded countries to work on the de-escalation and full implementation of the Minsk agreement", added Borrell, reiterating that the EU "the strong commitment that any military aggression against Ukraine will have enormous consequences and serious costs". (HANDLE).