Brussels, 22/12/2021 – 20:17
On Wednesday, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission Josep Borrell and Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken had a call to discuss Russia’s military build-up around Ukraine. They reaffirmed the European Union and U.S. 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 underlined that any further military aggression against Ukraine will have massive consequences and severe cost.
Secretary Blinken and High Representative Borrell took note of the proposals presented by the Russian Federation last week regarding Russia’s views about the possible new security arrangements in Europe. They underlined the United States’ and the EU’s enduring partnership and shared commitments to Transatlantic security and to confronting common security challenges. They agreed that any discussion about European security will happen in coordination and with participation of the European Union.
They also highlighted the importance to use diplomatic channels and relevant international and regional fora, such as the OSCE, to address these challenges.
The HR/VP and the Secretary of State also discussed the widening international impacts of China’s unilateral actions, which all evidence suggests are severely impeding trade in goods not only with Lithuania, but now also impacting companies from other member states and the United States. The HR/VP reiterated that the EU will stand together against all political pressures and coercive measures applied against any of its members.
They agreed to keep in close touch on all these priority areas.