The Russian High Representative speaks of a “war of nerves” on the part of Russia, Josep Borrell, in a new blog post entitled “With tensions rising on our eastern borders, unity remains our strength.”
“Russia is waging a war of nerves – so we have to keep ours. “In this confrontation with Russia, we are doing our best to make diplomacy work, using all possible means.”
Speaking about Moscow’s decision to ban representatives of member states and EU institutions from entering Russia, Borrell said: “This decision lacks legal justification and transparency and will have the appropriate response. “With this, Russia continues to fuel a climate of tension in Europe instead of contributing to de-escalation.”
“We must be prepared in case of failure of diplomacy. We are considering all options and scenarios, including working with partners such as the US, Qatar and Azerbaijan, on the issue of gas supply “In the event that Russia decides to reduce or stop deliveries,” he said.
The High Representative added: “As part of our work on deterrence, we have been preparing for a high-impact response that would have serious consequences for the Russian economy and financial system. “We are also looking at export control measures that would have a long-term effect, denying Russia products it needs to meet its strategic ambitions.”
In addition, he reiterated that the European Union will not relinquish its sovereignty over Ukraine’s sovereignty, its territorial integrity and its right to self-determination. “Ukraine is our partner and neighbor: its security is also our security,” said Josep Borrell.
Regarding cyber attacks, noted that “they are rarely used only to cause damage to technical systems. “They also aim to provoke psychological consequences, to try to delegitimize the Ukrainian authorities and to spread distrust and fear among the general population.”
“The EU is actively supporting Ukraine in tackling cyber threats. “Apart from the EU-Ukraine cyber dialogue, we have established strong cooperation, enabling us to help Ukraine increase its defense against threats and attacks in cyberspace.”
The High Representative also refers to misinformation.
“The Kremlin’s misinformation about Ukraine is also intensifying, with the aim of creating a very misleading impression of a besieged Russia, surrounded by NATO and the West, cynically pushing Ukraine into conflict with Russia. “In pro-Kremlin narratives, Kiev is portrayed as a puppet, led by war-mongering Western countries, and preparing a challenge to launch a military operation to reclaim its territory.”
He adds that “in addition to being fundamentally wrong, such narratives increase tensions, aim to create uncertainty and confusion in the world and create dangerous pretexts for escalating actions.
At the same time, Josep Borrell greets them US and NATO proposals, stressing that they provide the opportunity for enhanced security in Europe, while addressing the concerns raised by Russia through mutual commitments.
“These responses reaffirm that the United States, NATO, and the European Union prefer diplomacy and are ready to move forward if Russia escalates its aggression toward Ukraine and approaches security talks in Europe in a balanced and reciprocal manner.” , he states.
Finally, the High Representative referred to EU financial support to Ukraine.
“The EU has decided to significantly increase its financial assistance to Ukraine. Having already allocated more than 17 billion euros since 2014, Commission President Ursula von der Layen announced last Monday a new package of financial assistance with both emergency loans and grants. It will include a new € 1.2 billion emergency macro-financial assistance package to address Ukraine’s current financial needs. “The European Parliament and the Council should approve this package as soon as possible.”
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