Extraordinary Foreign Affairs Council, 25 February 2022

Main results

Ministers proceeded to the adoption of a further package of restrictive measures that will have massive and severe consequences for Russia. These measures cover the financial sector, the energy and transport sectors, dual-use goods, export control and export financing, visa policy, additional sanctions against Russian individuals and new listing criteria.

In a sign of immediate support for Ukraine, we have adopted sanctions package agreed last night by the leaders of the member states. This is an unprecedented package – both in speed and extent. These sanctions are the most hard hitting package we have ever implemented. They are designed to cripple hamper the ability to continue the aggression and finance the occupation.

Josep Borrell, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy

Ministers agreed to intensify diplomatic efforts to ensure the widest possible international condemnation of Russia's illegal and unprovoked aggression. There was also clear consensus to continue to support Ukraine and to step up efforts to tackle disinformation.

Ministers agreed on the need to strengthen support to Moldova and Georgia and to deter provocations in the Western Balkans.

The Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba addressed the ministers at the start of their meeting.

• Press conference following the extraordinary Foreign Affairs Council, 25 February 2022
• Special meeting of the European Council (24 February 2022)
• Joint statement by the members of the European Council (press release, 24 February 2022)
• Press statement by Charles Michel and Ursula von der Leyen on Russia's unprecedented and unprovoked military aggression in Ukraine (press release, 24 February 2022)
• Declaration by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the invasion of Ukraine by armed forces of the Russian Federation (press release, 24 February 2022)
• EU restrictive measures in response to the crisis in Ukraine (background information)
• EU relations with Ukraine (background information)