Europe "not at war with Russia": EU chief Borrell

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The High Representative for Foreign Affairs for the European Union, Josep Borrell, said that the EU "is not at war with Russia" in an interview with Cadena SER, a Spanish radio station.

“We are not at war with Russia, but we are on the side of the attacked. Between the attacked and the aggressor there cannot be a middle point of view, you have to take sides,” adding that the progressive choice was to “to condemn, repudiate and do everything possible to stop an armed aggression against a neighboring country.”

Europe could not but collectively send aid as a response to Ukraine's needs and demands, and that all countries have already "approved financing and [contributions].

When addressing the risks of a possible escalation of a nuclear war, Borrell asserted that the topic was “enormously irresponsible to talk” about.

Creating a European army, according to Borrell, is not on his immediate agenda. However, the European Union advocates that national armies coordinate better together, calling for increased defense spending in EU members states. 

Regarding sanctions imposed by the EU, US, Canada and other allies, Borrell endorsed their necessity but alerted that there would be possible consequences.

Read more: European Council: Sanctions against Russia will affect Europe

 

“Sanctions are made to damage the economy of the sanctioned country, but they also hurt you in return and we have to be willing to pay a price,” he said.