EU leaders remain confrontational towards Russia at 'Eastern Partnership Summit' | DW News

European Union leaders met Wednesday with their counterparts from Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan, but most of the politicians' attention was devoted to tension at the Russian-Ukrainian border. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sat down with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron as well as European Council President Charles Michel to discuss the build-up of Russian troops near the border to Ukraine and fears of a possible Russian invasion. They all emphasized dire economic sanctions would be imposed on Moscow should Russia launch incursions in Ukraine. Pro-Russian forces in eastern Ukraine already reportedly receive support from Moscow. Zelenskyy urged the EU not to wait for a Russian invasion of Ukraine before imposing new sanctions on Moscow.
Ukraine is currently the primary point of contention between Western leaders and Moscow, with Western leaders threatening sanctions over Russia's build-up of troops along Ukraine's border. Prior to his departure for the summit in Berlin, Scholz said, "Any violation of territorial integrity will have a high price, and we will speak with one voice here with our European partners and our transatlantic allies." He also added that he still sought "constructive dialogue" with Russia. The EU has publicly rejected the notion that Russia has a say in the decisions of sovereign nations or any claims to a sphere of influence. Brussels insists countries in the Eastern Partnership are free to make their own security and economic arrangements. However, in private AFP reports several senior European diplomats and officials profess a lack of a pathway for Ukraine or Georgia into the EU at present. Moscow hopes to maintain a large degree of influence over the independent nations that previously were part of the Soviet Union. Russia also hopes to avert any hope they may have of becoming EU and NATO members. The Russian Foreign Ministry called on Ukraine and Western governments to implement peace deals negotiated in 2014 and 2015 that include prisoner exchanges, aid and the withdrawal of weapons.

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[mark]

This is unusual for the EU . . . Normally they take 6 months to make a statement/decision on such policy.

[chapmanmd]

Someday I hope the world matures and our leaders grow up!

[matifi]

Image living your life and your neighbor constantly mining your business. 😭

[cjwest]

So Russia has more energy leverage over winter, sanctions sound pretty ineffective. Can someone in the know explain what would happen if they cut off gas supplies to EU? Besides them loosing revenue, how devastating would this be for EU?

[QueenetBowie]

“They could target Russias energy sector….”

How exactly would they do that when Europe relies on Russian natural gas imports to keep the lights on?

[judiththann]

Peace is the only way.
We stand for freedom for everyone.

[flyesthuman]

All of the individuals that they have speaking to Russia about stoping their aggression are the opposite of intimidating.

[CHMichael]

How far do you want to go? "Severe consequences" is not a clear message.
( i personally think it's all about the pipeline)

[MBW]

All those "consequences" are nothing but BS. Reality is that Ukraine is in the same situation Czechoslovakia was back in 1938.

[amc]

Russia needs to let it go and give Ukraine peace ✌️

[johnnytiger]

Yeah, that reporter asks Poland's and Latvian PM about North Stream 2??? As she didn.t know beforehand what their answer will be.

[ezTimmy]

This is the equivalent of putting your finger up to somebody's face.
Ukrain: "Stop that!"
Russia: "But, I'm not touching you."

[kevhynaleks]

Russia just laughing about the sanctions...

[LeMerch]

Russia amasses 1750, 000 troops on its border facing Ukraine then says that they want Ukraine to sign a document so TEHY feel safer hahahahaha man.. Russian logic.

I love Russia and its people so I know its nothing to do with them, and I know they love their country too so no bad feelings but your Government are being crazy.

[benpatel]

The costs would be severe when finally Russia has to switch off pipeline cash.

[ANTI_KREMLIN]

UKRAINE 🇺🇦, MOLDOVA 🇲🇩, GEORGIA 🇬🇪 MUST JOIN NATO & EU!!!

[freepeople]

Russia says "Gas or Ukraine". The EU says "Ok, we take gas and Russia can take Ukraine" wait and see.

[eumaster]

Nato/ EU and the U.S have responded to all Russian offers with threats of all sorts on an unprecedented scale leaving no options for Russia but to respond forcefully.

[CrazyLeiFeng]

Words only. Germany is in an actual alliance with Russia.

[artursbondars]

Germany is a joke. There were may countries, who warned not to make deals with Russia.