European Union considers new sanctions against Russia and more weapons for Ukraine

The Foreign Ministers of the European Union (EU) had a meeting in New York by the UN Assembly. At the side meeting they agreed to prepare new sanctions against Russia. These sanctions will be announced “as soon as possible”, according to the head of community diplomacy, Josep Borrell.

This announcement comes after Russian President Vladimir Putin gave a speech and announced a “partial mobilization” of 300,000 reservists and supports referendums to annex Ukrainian cities occupied by Russian troops.

Josep Borrell assures that the latest Russian movements will not “break” the unity “to support Ukraine” or support “to defend its territorial integrity”.

The new sanctions will affect other sectors of the Russian economy, including the technology sector. But they have yet to be determined.

Ministers also agreed to send more weapons to Ukraine. “Putin wants to destroy Ukraine, this time he has said very clearly, that he will use weapons of destruction, specifically nuclear weapons,” Borrell said.

Foreign ministers condemn the organization of referendums to annex Ukrainian cities to Russia and say they will never recognize its results. ” The EU stands firm in its support for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, and demands that Russia withdraw immediately, complete and unconditional all its troops and military equipment throughout the territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders,” the document concludes.