Russian President Vladimir Putin is the Foreign Minister of the EU-European Union prior to signing a presidential decree unilaterally approving the independence of the two eastern states of Ukraine, which are virtually controlled by pro-Russian factions. Senior Representative Borrell said he would go into action to impose sanctions on Russia if it was actually approved.
The EU held a foreign ministers' meeting in Brussels, Belgium on the 21st to discuss the situation in Ukraine.
At a press conference after the meeting, Senior Representative Borrell said he hopes President Putin will not approve independence in the two eastern states of Ukraine, which are virtually dominated by pro-Russian factions.
"If we approve, we are ready to unite and respond. If approved, I will show the sanctions to member states and the foreign ministers will decide the sanctions," Putin approves independence. If so, he revealed his intention to enter into the procedure for imposing sanctions on Russia.
The EU has previously said sanctions would be imposed if Russia invaded Ukraine, but Borrell has stated that approval of independence in areas virtually controlled by pro-Russian factions will be subject to sanctions. By doing so, it is a form that restrained President Putin.
EU statement "Respond to decisions with the strongest words and condemnation sanctions"
EU-European Union President Michelle and President Von der Leyen said in a statement, "I condemn the decision of the Russian president in the strongest words."
He said that Russia's actions violated international law and said, "The EU will respond with sanctions to those who have taken part in this illegal act. I express. "