According to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Linas Linkevicius, the tragedy has elevated the conflict between Russia and Ukraine to international level.
"This is a turning point in the conflict, the West and the European Union must act now, because their failure to do so instigates military aggression indirectly. The conflict has claimed nearly 300 lives of people that have nothing to do with it, not to mention the Ukrainians who are killed on a daily basis," Linkevicius said.
According to the Foreign Minister, it is obvious that the responsibility for this shocking disaster lies with those who have initiated and orchestrated a regular flow of weapons into eastern Ukraine from Russia to the so-called separatists - who are mainly citizens of Russia.
According to the Foreign Minister, the rebels and foreign mercenaries in Luhansk and Donetsk should be designated as terrorist organizations. The Council called for an inspection of all the legal aspects of such a step.
The Council discussed sanctions with a view to targeting individuals responsible for acts of aggression in Ukraine. According to Linkevicius, the EU sanctions must include Kremlin's closest environment as well as those who are financing and otherwise contributing to the annexation of Crimea and to the destabilisation of eastern Ukraine. The Council agreed to expand restrictive measures with a view to targeting individuals supporting or benefiting from Russian decision-makers.
Lithuania and many other EU member states called for an immediate arms embargo on Russia.
"Let's not refute the possibility that one day Russia might use the EU's military equipment against the European Union itself," said the Lithuanian Foreign Minister.
After a lengthy discussion, the Council requested the Commission and the European External Action Service to present proposals for action, including on access to capital markets, defence, dual use goods and sensitive technologies, including in the energy sector.
The Ministers also discussed the deteriorating political and security situation in Iraq, the fight against terrorism, the humanitarian situation and the movement of foreign fighters in this country.
Bearing in mind the escalating situation in Israel and Gaza, the Ministers expressed concern over the situation and called on both sides to agree to a ceasefire as soon as possible, to resume the negotiations and seek a two-state solution.
In the margins of the Council, the EU Ministers will also attend the EU-Eastern Partnership ministerial meeting.
