On 16 March, European Council President Charles Michel, in a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, stressed the urgent need to stop Russia’s fratricidal war against Ukraine.
“The EU is united in condemning Russia’s aggression, responding with powerful sanctions and providing further support to Ukraine,” wrote Michel on Twitter.
He also called Putin for an immediate ceasefire and withdrawal of Russia’s military and discussed ongoing negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.
Michel stressed that protection of civilian lives is an “absolute priority”: “Indiscriminate shelling by Russian forces of Ukraine civilians must stop. Russia must urgently enable humanitarian access and safe passage.”
