Valdis DOMBROVSKIS, Vice-President of the EC in charge of the Euro, Social Dialogue, Financial Stability, Financial Services and Capital Markets Union, gives the position of the European Commission on the political situation in Ukraine in a context of tension with Russia, during the plenary session (28-29/11/2018) of the European Parliament in Brussels

EU - Ukraine (T)

Brussels

statement

plenary session

EU - Russia (T)

DOMBROVSKIS, Valdis (EPP, LV, EC)

Position of the European Commission on the political situation in Ukraine: statement by Valdis DOMBROVSKIS, Vice-President of the EC in charge of the Euro, Social Dialogue, Financial Stability, Financial Services and Capital Markets Union

SOUNDBITE (English), Valdis DOMBROVSKIS, Vice-President of the EC in charge of the Euro and Social Dialogue, Escalating tensions in the Azov sea over the past days have led to the seizures of Ukrainian vessels and shots being fired at the same by Russia as well as a number of injuries to Ukrainian servicemen. These developments are unacceptable and we expect Russia to immediately release vessels and the crew and to ensure needed medical assistance to Ukrainian servicemen. International law obliges the Russian Federation to ensure unhindered and free passage of all vessels Kerch Strait. Therefore we expect Russia to restore the freedom of passage at the Kerch Strait. 

SOUNDBITE (English), Valdis DOMBROVSKIS, Vice-President of the EC in charge of the Euro and Social Dialogue, As you know the EU does not and will not recognise the illegal annexation of Crimean opinions followed by Russia and condemns its aggression towards Ukraine. High Representative Vice President Federica Mogherini has been in touch with several partners since this escalation has started and will continue to engage on this issue in a view of broader international response. The EU's Political and Security Committee has also met earlier this week to discuss the situation and the next steps. 