EU high rep: No intention to fight against Russia

High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell has said that the sanctions, which will be tightened, remain the EU’s main response to the Russian “military operation” in Ukraine.

The EU does not intend to fight against Russia, Borrell told the Japanese Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper.

The EU high representative noted that "the sanctions have already hit Russian President Vladimir Putin and his team" and the impact on the Russian economy will be tightened over time.

He clarified that about 1,200 people and 98 Russian organisations have already been subject to the EU sanctions.

Borrell added that Russia violates the principles of "respect for the territorial unity of nations and the non-use of force".

“The EU does not want to wage a war against Russia, and economic sanctions play the main role in its response to aggression. These measures are already valid and will be intensified in the coming months,” the diplomat said.