The head of the European Council spoke with Vladimir Putin by phone. Charles Michel tweeted that he called for immediate access to humanitarian aid and the provision of escape corridors from Mariupol and other besieged cities. According to EU officials, the President of the Council also called for direct contact with the President of Ukraine, as requested by Volodymyr Zelensky.
Charles Michel tweeted that he reaffirmed the position of the European Union during a conversation with Putin – support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, condemnation of Russian aggression and reaffirmation of sanctions. A senior EU official told reporters that the position is presented clearly.
“President Charles Michel undoubtedly condemned the war unleashed by Russia in Ukraine, detailed the costs of sanctions imposed by the Union for aggression and violation of international law,” one of the EU representatives emphasized, adding that the head of the Council also confirmed the full support of the Community for Ukraine and its territorial integrity. According to his report, Charles Michel shared with Vladimir Putin his assessment of Russia’s miscalculations and losses in order, he said, to penetrate the information bubble that may exist around Putin.
Further sanctions
Next week, the European Commission is due to present proposals for further sanctions against Russia for its attack on Ukraine. The sixth package of restrictions should include, among other things, an embargo on oil imports, but, as EU officials and diplomats say, will not mean a complete and immediate suspension of oil supplies from Russia.