By Laurence Norman
BRUSSELS--European Union heads of government asked the bloc's
foreign ministers to consider further sanctions on Russia as a
response to the latest violence in eastern Ukraine, saying Moscow
held "responsibility" for the rebels' actions.
In a strongly-worded statement ahead of Thursday's emergency
meeting of foreign ministers, the 28 leaders condemned the killing
of civilians during "the indiscriminate shelling" of Mariupol on
Jan. 24.
"We note evidence of continued and growing support given to the
separatists by Russia, which underlines Russia's responsibility. We
urge Russia to condemn the separatists' actions and to implement
the Minsk agreements," the leaders said.
They plan to review the situation at their next summit meeting,
currently planned for Feb. 12.
Meanwhile, the leaders said in view of the worsening situation,
"we ask the coming Foreign Affairs Council to assess the situation
and to consider any appropriate action, in particular on further
restrictive measures, aiming at a swift and comprehensive
implementation of the cease-fire and peace agreements signed in
September at Minsk.
Tuesday's statement completes an abrupt change of mood in
Brussels.
Just a week ago, foreign ministers were discussing how to
eventually ease tensions with Moscow and reverse some sanctions
over time amid hopes that the situation in eastern Ukraine was
calming.
However, last week's renewed violence has hardened opinions,
leading to public calls for fresh sanctions moves in the near
future.
The statement also suggests there is sufficient unity in the
bloc to increase the pressure on Moscow. All 28 governments will
need to agree if the current Russia sanctions that are due to
expire between March and July are to be renewed.
Write to Laurence Norman at laurence.norman@wsj.com