Here we follow all the developments of the growing conflict situation between Russia, Ukraine and the West.
3:11 am – RTP ambassadors in Ukraine confirm the explosions
RTP special envoys were called to the shelter after two bombings this morning.
2:51 pm – Two large explosions are heard in Kiev
Ukrainian Deputy Interior Minister Anton Jarashchenko told the AFP that these were ship or ballistic missile strikes.
2:37 am – The Prime Minister of Portugal raises the issue of energy security
This situation underscores the importance of energy security in Europe, through the diversification of supply resources and the decarbonization of energy. pic.twitter.com/1vimRAiqaz
– Antonio Costa (@antoniocostapm) February 25, 2022
2h16 – Costa agrees to economic invoice to Portugal
When asked when the third set of sanctions on Russia would be approved, Antonio Costa replied that the EU had adopted an “open position on negotiations and diplomatic commitment” to ensure peace and avoid military conflict. But when Russia declared independence from the secession territories, the European Union announced the first set of measures aimed at preventing Moscow from advancing with the invasion.
Now, Russia has endorsed the second set of “EU with more drastic and comprehensive measures, as it embarks on military action with a general war in Ukraine,” affecting various sectors of the Russian economy. “If Russia continues its action, (…) the EU will consider taking further action.”
Commenting on the damage done to Portugal, Antonio Costa said, “There is no war in Europe that does not have negative consequences for all of us.”
“Wars not only affect those affected by bullets, they affect the entire continent from a social and economic perspective,” he declared.
“Naturally, sanctions applied to Russia will have an impact on the European economy and, therefore, on the Portuguese economy,” he said, referring to the energy crisis and the effects of energy, gas and oil prices.
After a meeting of the European Council on the situation in Ukraine, Antonio Costa spoke to reporters, accusing Russia of “going to war against freedom and democracy, free from violations of international law.”
During the meeting, the leaders contacted the Ukrainian president, who described the Portuguese prime minister as “a particularly dramatic and emotional moment” in which he described the situation in Ukraine as “contradictory to a version of a special military operation.”
“This action requires a response from the international community,” Costa told reporters. “On the one hand, NATO will certainly respond tomorrow, in the sense of guaranteeing the security and safety of all NATO countries and especially those on the border with or near Ukraine.”
Recalling that the EU was “not a military body,” the chief executive said, “a proposal has been approved by the European Commission, which aims to approve a second set of sanctions” after several months of diplomatic talks. “Massive activities aimed at reaching the financial, energy and transport sectors in particular”.
According to Costa, these measures restrict the “issuance of visas to Russian state-owned enterprises and the international financial capacity of the Russian government” and “holders of diplomatic or service passports”.
“If Russia continues its military action in violation of international law and does not withdraw its military and offensive against Ukraine, the Council has compelled the Commission to continue to monitor the situation and prepare new sanctions, without respecting its territorial integrity.”
1h56 – Antonio Costa speaks after the Council of Europe
The Prime Minister of Portugal speaks to reporters at the conclusion of the European Council. According to Antonio Costa, European leaders were able to hold talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zhelensky via video conference. An “exciting” moment, the head of government said.
1h40 – Emmanuel Macron: “Putin wants to rewrite history”
The French president added that Belarus was an “accomplice” in the operation and would therefore be included in the new embargo.
Emmanuel Macron also announced a new aid package for Ukraine, of which 300 million euros will be available only in France.
1:30 am – EU tightens sanctions against Russia
A press conference after the European Council is already underway. Charles Michel, President of the European Council, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and Emmanuel Macron, the French President who is currently the rotating head of the EU Council, announced new sanctions against Russia after Moscow’s infiltration into Ukrainian territory. .
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stressed that all EU countries are united in condemning Russia in the aftermath of the invasion. The new restrictions package is based on five pillars: the Department of Finance, the Department of Energy, the Department of Transport, the Restrictions on Export Restrictions and Export Financing, and the Visa Policy.
Through these sanctions, the EU is blocking Russia from accessing the most important capital markets. 70 percent of the Russian financial market will be affected. Sanctions will also target some major Russian companies.
Another important point is that Russia has limited access to “basic technology”, such as semiconductors.
On visas, Ursula van der Leyen announced that diplomats and big business would no longer have access to the EU.
State point
Russia launched a military offensive in Ukraine early Thursday. Improvements were made with ground forces and bombing targets in several cities.
In the first hours of the invasion, The conflict has already caused at least half a hundred deaths, 10 of them civilians in the territory of Ukraine, Kiev said. More than 160 others were injured.
In the last few hours, the proclamation of the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zhelensky has commanded a general mobilization of the population. Thus the Ukrainians are being subjected to “military coercion”, as well as the call of those assigned to fight Russian incursions.
According to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), about 100,000 people have already fled their homes in Ukraine in the first hours of the conflict.
According to the United States, one of the most worrying cities right now is Chernobyl. White House spokeswoman Zhen Zaki confirmed the hostages at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in Ukraine.
At a news conference, he called the holding of Russian soldiers hostages on the Chernobyl campus “outrageous” and demanded their release.
