EU High Representative for foreign policy and security Josep Borrell called today for additional aid to Ukraine and for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East, before the start of today's meeting of European foreign ministers in Luxembourg, quoted by BTA.
During the meeting, Borel summarized that the situation in Ukraine and the Middle East is deteriorating. He stressed that the Ukrainian side needs additional funds for air defense and expressed hope that the ministers will reach an agreement on allocating new amounts from the budget for military aid to Kiev's forces. Borel noted that the export of Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea is again difficult due to the Russian shelling of some merchant ships. "I hope we will make decisions to increase aid," he declared.
On the occasion of the situation in the Middle East, Borrell called for an immediate ceasefire in the entire region. He expressed displeasure at the attacks on UN officials and said they were unacceptable. Borrell demanded that the accusations against UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres be dropped from the Israeli side, noting that decisions about the world body's mission are made by the UN Security Council. "Stop blaming Guterres," he urged.
He specified that European ministers will discuss a proposal to introduce sanctions, including against two Israeli ministers.