"Intervention of the Russian armed forces in the territory of sovereign Ukraine is unjustified. Russia's behavior contravenes international norms and agreements and poses threats to the whole of Europe. We must seek solutions to ensure our security and to prevent redrawing the map of Europe what Russia is aiming for at the moment," the President said.
According to the President, the EU support for Ukraine is particularly important now in an effort to stabilize the situation in the region. The European Union is taking concrete steps promising to make available to Ukraine an overall support of 11 billion euros over the next years. Measures also include promotion of trade and investments between the EU and Ukraine and ensuring the security of energy supply for Ukraine.
European leaders also discussed the sending of international monitoring missions to Crimea. The President highlighted the importance of such missions as they will enable objective assessment of the situation and conduce to laying the groundwork for a political dialogue which is essential in seeking peaceful solution to the situation.
The European Union has already imposed asset freeze on former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych and 17 other persons suspected of violence and use of force against peaceful protesters as well as human rights violations. Lithuania banned the entry into its territory for these persons.
