The European Council gives the green light to "massive sanctions" against Russia

Europe finds agreement on new "massive" sanctions against Moscow after the Russian aggression against Ukraine.

It can be read in the final communiqué of the extraordinary European Council in Brussels and European leaders reaffirm it in a press conference at the end of the proceedings.

Von der Leyen: sanctions affect 70% of Russian banks.

Putin must fail and he will fail

"The package of massive and targeted sanctions approved tonight shows how united the EU is. Firstly, this package includes financial sanctions, targeting 70% of the Russian banking market and major state-owned companies, including defense."

This was stated by the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, at the end of the extraordinary European Council on Ukraine.

"We will try to erode the foundations of the economy" and "reduce the reserves of rich Russians who will no longer be able to put their money in tax havens," she adds.

Among the sanctions, the stop "to the supply of spare parts for aircraft, three quarters of the Russian air fleet was built in Canada".

And she adds: Putin must fail and he will fail ".

Michel: Painful sanctions for Moscow decided.

We need to reduce our energy dependence 

"We have decided on painful sanctions for Moscow".

This was stated by the president of the European Council, Charles Michel, at the end of the summit.

The sanctions will be formally adopted by the Council, he added.

Then he announces that more humanitarian aid has been decided for Ukraine and assistance for the reception of refugees, while in March and explains: "We must reduce our energy dependence, we intend to have an in-depth debate on this at the European Council March. And then we must increase our defense and security capabilities ".

Macron: Putin has chosen war instead of negotiating, EU solidarity for Ukrainian refugees

"There is unanimity" in applying "the solidarity of all Europeans" to those fleeing Ukraine.

"I think this crisis reminds those who have shown less solidarity in past crises that it is good to show solidarity. France will play her part, Ukrainians who leave the country will be welcomed in Europe".

The French president, Emmanuel Macron, said this at a press conference.

Then he adds: "I had an exchange with the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, frank, quick and direct, at the request of the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, to demand the cessation of the military intervention" but "for the moment it has not borne fruit" .

And again: "There was duplicity" on the part of the Russian leader, the French president admitted.

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The press release on sanctions

"The sanctions - it is specified in the final statement of the European Council - cover the financial, energy and transport sectors, the export of goods and finance, the visa policy and the inclusion in the black list, and with new criteria, of personality Russian ".

"The Council will adopt the package without delay" and announces new sanctions also on Belarus.

"The European Council condemns in the strongest terms the unprovoked and unjustified military aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine".

Clear and clear words from the extraordinary European Council meeting in Brussels in the evening.

"With its illegal military actions, Russia is seriously violating international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter and undermining European and world security and stability."

"The European Council stresses that" the protection of principles "includes Ukraine's right to choose its own destiny. Russia bears full responsibility for this act of aggression and for all the destruction and loss of life it will cause. It will be. held responsible for his actions ".

"The European Council calls for Russia to cease its military actions immediately, unconditionally withdraw all military forces and equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine and fully respect the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders ".

"The European Council - it continues - calls on Russia and the armed formations supported by Russia to respect international humanitarian law and stop their disinformation campaign and cyber attacks".

"The European Council also strongly condemns the involvement of Belarus in this aggression against Ukraine and calls on it to refrain from such action and to respect its international obligations".