Brussels: Europe and the Arabs
 
Josep Borrell, European Coordinator for Foreign Policy, held a phone call with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba to discuss the latest developments on the ground following intensified Russian missile and drone attacks on critical infrastructure, including residential buildings, over recent weeks. .
According to a European statement issued in Brussels on Friday evening, Borrell condemned in the strongest possible terms these barbaric attacks that indiscriminately destroy infrastructure, residential and medical facilities, and deliberately target and kill civilians. They are war crimes. The Russian political and military leadership, and all those responsible and implicated in these and other war crimes committed in Ukraine, will be held accountable.
"These Russian attacks stand in sharp contrast to the unilateral ceasefire announced by Russian President Putin yesterday. This ceasefire does not change the fact that Russia is illegally occupying parts of Ukraine's territory. The withdrawal of Russian forces and military equipment is From the entire territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders is the only serious option for restoring peace and security.In the absence of such concrete measures, a unilateral ceasefire appears only as an attempt by Russia to buy time to replenish and regroup its forces or to repair its damaged international reputation.

At the end of the statement, Borrell affirmed the European Union's determination to continue its political, military, economic and humanitarian support to Ukraine in exercising its legitimate right to defend itself and its people against Russian aggression, as long as it takes.

During the phone conversations, Borrell also discussed preparations for the next Foreign Affairs Council on January 23, 2023, which Foreign Minister Kuleba will attend via videoconference. They also discussed the upcoming EU-Ukraine summit and the EU's determination to ensure effective implementation of sanctions and combat circumvention.