The Council held an extraordinary meeting to discuss recent developments in Ukraine.
The EU strongly condemned the violation by Russia of Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Council urged Russia to immediately withdraw its armed forces to the areas of their permanent stationing and called for a peaceful solution to the crisis, in full respect of the principles and obligations laid down in international law.
The EU and those Member States who are participants of G8, have decided for the time being to suspend their participation in activities associated with the preparations for the G8 Summit in Sochi in June. In the absence of de-escalating steps by Russia, the Council agreed to decide about consequences, for instance, the suspension of bilateral talks on visa matters as well as on the New Agreement, and would consider further targeted measures.
The European Union indicated that it stood by the efforts of the new Ukrainian Government to stabilise the situation and pursue the course of reforms. The EU reaffirmed the necessity of further constitutional reform in Ukraine and holding free, fair and transparent Presidential elections with OSCE-ODIHR observation.
The EU is ready to further pursue its efforts with the international community and international financial institutions, especially the IMF, to assist Ukraine.
The Council has also agreed to swiftly work on the adoption of restrictive measures for the freezing and recovery of assets of persons identified as responsible for the misappropriation of State funds, and the freezing of assets of persons responsible for human rights violations.
The Council reconfirmed its offer of the Association Agreement, including a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area.
Finally, the EU would be willing to enhance people to people contacts between the EU and Ukraine, notably through the visa liberalisation process.