EU and Korean leaders call on Russia to immediately withdraw its troops from Ukraine and promise to increase pressure on the Kremlin

The European Union and South Korea have called on Russia to immediately withdraw its troops from the entire territory of Ukraine to its internationally recognised borders. In a joint statement, President of the European Council Charles Michel, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and President of the Republic of Korea Yoon Suk Yeol promised to increase pressure on the aggressor state and to help bring the Russian leadership to justice for its armed aggression against Ukraine and war crimes.

A joint statement following the summit in Seoul on May 22 was published on the European Commission's website. The leaders of the EU and South Korea also assured of their unwavering support for Ukraine during the war and post-war reconstruction.

The statement contains an unequivocal condemnation of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

"We reiterate our strong condemnation of Russia's aggressive war against Ukraine, which constitutes a grave violation of international law. We reaffirm our firm commitment to the UN Charter and recall our unwavering support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders and its inherent right to self-defence against Russian aggression in accordance with the UN Charter," the document says.

The signatories of the statement demand that Russia immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw its troops from the internationally recognised territory of Ukraine, and that the Kremlin begin to fulfil its international obligations.

"Russia must cease its aggression and immediately, fully and unconditionally withdraw all its troops from all of Ukraine's territory within its internationally recognised borders. International humanitarian law, including the rules governing the treatment of prisoners of war, as well as international human rights, must be respected," the summit stressed.

According to the document, Russia's accountability for war crimes, increasing pressure on the aggressor state and unwavering support for Ukraine are key positions taken by the EU and South Korea.

"We express our support for ensuring accountability for war crimes and other violations of international law committed during Russia's aggressive war against Ukraine, and reaffirm our support for the work of the International Criminal Court. We agree to maintain and increase collective pressure on Russia, in particular through the effective implementation of appropriate restrictive measures. We are determined to support the recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine and remain committed to supporting Ukraine for as long as necessary. We discussed ways to increase our support for Ukraine to meet its financial, material, security and humanitarian needs," the joint statement said.

According to the document, Russia may be preparing for new sanctions, while Ukraine will receive support during the war and after it ends.

"We agreed to continue and increase collective pressure on Russia, including through appropriate restrictive measures. We are committed to supporting Ukraine's recovery and reconstruction and are determined to stand by Ukraine for as long as necessary. We discussed ways to increase support for Ukraine to meet its financial, material, security and humanitarian needs," the document reads.

The statement also condemned the DPRK's nuclear and missile programmes along with Russia's war of aggression, which are now key threats to peace and security.

Among other destabilising factors, they mentioned the slow pace of recovery from the global pandemic, climate change, and deteriorating food and energy security.

Consequently, the EU and South Korea agreed to work together to address these challenges and expand strategic cooperation.

Earlier, Ursula von der Leyen said that the EU would impose sanctions on Chinese firms for helping Russia. The 11-pack of sanctions will include restrictions on more than 90 companies from different countries.

By doing so, von der Leyen said, the EU intends to put an end to Russia's practice of evading sanctions. Restrictions will be imposed on companies that are proven to supply sanctioned goods from the EU to Russia through third countries.

It was also reported that the EU refused to connect a Russian bank to SWIFT even within the framework of the grain deal.

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