In response to the fact that since the statement of the EU Heads of State and Government of 6 March there has been no progress in resuming direct negotiations on resolving the crisis in Ukraine between Ukraine and Russia, and, on the contrary, the situation in Ukraine has even escalated further, the EU's Foreign Ministers approved targeted restrictive measures against Russia.
"Today we took the second step agreed by the EU leaders and introduced additional measures, including travel restrictions and an asset freeze against 21 persons from Russia and Ukraine (Crimea). If the current situation persists to deteriorate, we will introduce stricter long-term measures," the Lithuanian Foreign Minister said.
The European Council agreed on 6 March that if Russia was not prepared to seek a diplomatic solution to the Ukraine crisis and withdraw its troops to their garrisons, the EU would take targeted restrictive measures against Russian officials, responsible for actions which undermine the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.
According to L.Linkevičiaus, in this difficult situation it is very important that the EU politically supports and is ready to help Ukraine to get back on its feet.
"The EU's political and financial support for Ukraine as well as help to implement reforms – these are all important and timely steps that show the EU's solidarity with Ukraine. Soon the political part of the Association Agreement, including the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area, will be signed facilitating access for Ukrainian goods to EU markets," the Lithuanian Foreign Minister said.
The EU's Foreign Ministers voiced significant support for the swift deployment of an OSCE Mission to Ukraine in the short run and discussed possibilities to strengthen the EU's engagement.
Minister L.Linkevičius also urged the EU to sign Association Agreements with Moldova and Georgia as soon as possible.
At lunch together with the EU Commissioner for Energy Günther Oettinger the EU Foreign Ministers discussed energy diplomacy.
