EU foreign policy chief, Joseph Borell has described Russia’s attack on Ukraine as the “darkest hours for Europe” since World War 11.
Recall that president of Russia, Vladimir Putin had ordered a special military operation in Ukraine’s Donbas region on Thursday morning and asked Ukrainian troops to put down their arms.
Explosions were reportedly heard in Kyiv, Kharkiv, Kramatorsk and in other parts of Ukraine.
The attacks were said to have targeted key infrastructure in the country.
The Russian president warned other countries that any attempt to interfere will lead to “consequences you have never seen”.
Reacting to the attack, Borell said: “These are among the darkest hours for Europe since the end of World War II.”
He promised “urgent assistance to Ukraine,” and to support evacuation effort.
He added that punitive measures from the 27-member bloc against Russia will be “the harshest packet of sanctions that has ever been implemented”.
Von der Leyen, EU commission president, said she will present “massive and strategic” sanctions against Russia for approval later today.
“We will freeze Russian assets in the European Union and stop the access of Russian banks to European financial markets,” Von der Leyen said.
“These sanctions are designed to take a heavy toll on the Kremlin’s interests and their ability to finance war. And we know that millions of Russians do not want war.
“We condemn this barbaric attack and the cynical arguments that are being used to justify it.
“We will not allow President Vladimir Putin to replace the rule of law, by the rule of force, and ruthlessness. Ukraine will prevail.”