EU Calls on Russia to Immediately Withdraw Troops from Ukraine

In a joint statement issued on Thursday 24 February 2022, Charles Michel, President of the European Council, and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, condemned Russia's "unprecedented" and "unprovoked" military aggression of Ukraine.

The European institution leaders highlighted that Russia's invasion of Ukraine is a violation of international law and it "undermin[es] European and global security and stability".

In response to Thursday morning's invasion, Charles Michel and Ursula von der Leyen called on Russia to "immediately cease the hostilities, withdraw its military from Ukraine and fully respect Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence". They added that Ukraine and its people have the full support of the European Union (EU), whose leaders will meet later today to discuss the situation and further restrictive measures. 

They also confirmed that the EU would continue to "provide strong political, financial and humanitarian assistance" to Ukraine and its people.