The leaders of the European Union, United Kingdom, United States and other leading NATO countries have agreed on an unprecedented package of sanctions that will be imposed against Russia in case of a new invasion of Ukraine.
This is stated in a statement issued by the office of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson following his virtual meeting with the US President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, Polish President Andrzej Duda, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Council Charles Michel and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg.
Themeeting was devoted to the discussion of the situation in Ukraine and aimed at coordinating the collective response to the aggressive behavior of Russia with regards to Ukraine. Leaders shared the assessment on the seriousness of the situation. They wished for diplomacy to succeed but are undertaking preparations for all eventualities.
“The leaders agreed on the importance of international unity in the face of growing Russian hostility. The Prime Minister underlined the real human cost of any Russian aggression and the need to take all steps within our power to prevent that outcome," the statement said.
At the same time, the leaders stressed that diplomatic discussions with Russia remain the first priority, and welcomed talks that have already taken place between Russia and NATO allies.
However, they also agreed that the international community should not tolerate any action which undermines Ukrainian sovereignty. The Prime Minister outlined the steps the UK has taken to increase Ukraine’s defensive capacity. He emphasized the need to support Ukraine’s defenses against the full spectrum of malign Russian activity.
The leaders agreed that, should a further Russian incursion into Ukraine happen, allies must enact swift retributive responses including an unprecedented package of sanctions. They resolved to continue coordinating closely on any such response.