Michel, 'the EU will never abandon the Ukrainian people'

(ANSA) - STRASBOURG, 16 FEB - "In 2014 Ukraine chose the rule of law and liberal democracy: the EU supported this choice, and the EU will never abandon the Ukrainian people".

This was said by the president of the European Council Charles Michel at the plenary session of the European parliament in Strasbourg.

    "The European Council in December set a clear quadropolitic, if there is an aggression by Russia, the EU response will be severe and massive consequences", added Michel, during his speech at the debate on EU-Russia relations and the situation in Ukraine.

"But we must be clear among ourselves why the consequences of this decision for the EU will be heavy, but we must take this responsibility", added Michel.

    "In the last two days, Russia has signaled that it is open to diplomacy but I urge Moscow to adopt rapid measures for de-escalation, we cannot seek diplomacy while the other is amassing troops", Michel then underlined in the classroom in Strasbourg.

(HANDLE).