Brussels, 15/01/2022
The close coordination between the European Union and the United States on recent developments related to Russia and Ukraine continues at the highest level.
After the informal discussions of the Foreign and Defence Ministers of the EU Member States this week in Brest (France), the EU High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission Josep Borrell spoke to US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken on Saturday.
They discussed Russia’s military build-up around Ukraine and briefed each other about latest diplomatic engagements around Russia’s attempts to re-define security arrangements in Europe.
High Representative Borrell and Secretary Blinken rejected Russian initiative to re-build spheres of influence in Europe and underlined their determination to continue intense consultations on this and other issues between the US and EU – presenting a strong, clear and united transatlantic front.
High Representative Borrell and Secretary Blinken reaffirmed support to Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity and emphasised the need for Russia to de-escalate and fully implement the Minsk agreements. They reviewed ongoing preparations of deterrent measures and of a robust international reaction with massive consequences for Russia in case of any further aggression against Ukraine.
They also repeated that the EU and US remain open to dialogue with Russia, but never at the expense of freedom, sovereignty, independence of members of transatlantic community and their partners or at the expense of the respect of fundamental values and relevant international obligations.
The Foreign Ministers of EU Member States agreed on Friday in Brest to further strengthen coordination with the United States, with NATO and to enhance European Union cooperation within the OSCE and tasked the HRVP to coordinate these activities.