Brick by brick, we are collapsing the foundations of Russia's war economy. Today, we are presenting our proposals for a 21st sanctions package against Russia. This includes a temporary freeze of the Russian oil price cap and designations of institutions used by Moscow to generate revenues and circumvent EU sanctions. It will target banks, weapons manufacturers, oil traders, refineries, and crypto operators in third countries.

Kosovo’s democratic and inclusive election opens the door to turn the page after more than a year of political deadlock. Political leaders now need to engage constructively to ensure the swift formation of government. Progress in the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue and the normalisation of relations with Serbia remains essential for advancing on Kosovo’s European path.

EU Defence Ministers are meeting today to discuss Europe’s security, from support for Ukraine to freedom of navigation in the Middle East. Ukraine is turning the tide of the war, and we are helping them, including by advancing the unblocking of €6.6 billion through the European Peace Facility. The Middle East does not need another escalation. All parties must return to the negotiating table. My press remarks ahead of today’s meeting of EU Defence Ministers ↓

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the reckless violation of the EU’s airspace by Russia ↓ consilium.europa.eu/en/press…

The EU strongly condemns the latest attack by Iran against Kuwait, violating its sovereignty according to International Law, and reiterates its full solidarity with the Government and people of Kuwait. See our statement: link.europa.eu/WNqwPy

The Russian drone crash into apartments in Galați was a blatant and serious violation of Romania’s sovereignty and European airspace. I spoke with Foreign Minister @oana_toiu this morning to convey the EU’s full solidarity with Romania. Russia has long ago stopped respecting borders. Moscow cannot be allowed to breach European airspace with impunity. EU Foreign Ministers yesterday vowed to ramp up pressure on Russia, increase support for Ukraine, and invest in Europe’s own defence readiness.

We stand united against Russian pressure. Remarks by @kajakallas to the press at this morning’s EU foreign ministers’ meeting, with a correction regarding the diplomatic presence in Kyiv. link.europa.eu/Xpbxbw

Russia wants us to discuss who talks to them, And they are already picking who is suitable for that. Let's not walk into that trap. Negotiations are always a team effort, with a defined strategy. That’s why the substance that we discuss today in Cyprus matters much more. My press remarks ahead of today’s meeting of EU Foreign Ministers ↓

DPRK: Today’s launch of ballistic missiles is another violation of UN Security Council resolutions raising tensions in the region. 🇪🇺 urges the DPRK to cease such illegal actions and choose diplomacy instead of escalation. This is the only route to sustainable peace and security.

🇷🇺 threat to foreign citizens & diplomats to leave Kyiv is an unacceptable escalation. @eu_eeas summoned the Chargé d'Affairs, calling to stop hitting civilians & 🇷🇺 to engage in genuine peace talks starting with a full and unconditional ceasefire. @EUDelegationUA stays in Kyiv.

Russia hit a dead-end on the battlefield, so it terrorizes Ukraine with deliberate strikes on city centres. These are abhorrent acts of terror meant to kill as many civilians as possible. Moscow reportedly using Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missiles – systems designed to carry nuclear warheads – is a political scare-tactic and reckless nuclear-brinkmanship. Next week, EU Foreign Ministers will discuss how to dial up the international pressure on Russia.

Türkiye: The Court’s annulment of CHP congresses raises concerns about rule of law, democratic pluralism, fundamental rights, and judicial independence. Political opposition must participate freely without fear of repression. link.europa.eu/RG3Vf7

The European Union and Mexico are partners who can rely on each other. Together with @r_velascoa, we held today our first-ever Strategic Dialogue. Tomorrow, we will deliver an updated Global Agreement and the interim trade agreement. These are the result of many years of negotiations. They will remove most remaining barriers to trade and investment, including in strategic sectors such as raw materials, agriculture, and services. My press remarks in Mexico City ↓

Claims that the Baltic States allow Ukraine to use their airspace are utter nonsense - and Russia knows it. Moscow’s threats against the Baltic States are not a sign of strength, but of weakness. Russia is failing on the battlefield in Ukraine and is trying to intimidate us into reducing our support for Ukraine. The right response is to do the opposite: increase our support to Ukraine and boost Europe’s defences even further.

Deterrence works if it is credible. Showing weakness only invites aggression. That’s why we need to close defence capability gaps through faster arms production, cheaper arms, and more rapid delivery. Extract from my press remarks following today’s Foreign Affairs Council on Defence ↓

Whether Putin dares to test Europe’s defences depends on us. Today, EU Defence Ministers are meeting to discuss how to make use of the €90 billion loan for Ukraine, as well as defence industry cooperation between the EU and Ukraine. Together with industry, we will focus on ramping up defence production. The funding is there. Now it is time to turn investment into capabilities — faster and cheaper. At the @EUDefenceAgency Steering Board, we will decide on strengthening the agency, with a greater focus on innovation and experimentation. My press remarks ahead of today’s Foreign Affairs Council on Defence ↓

Of all the horrors inflicted by Russia’s war, the abduction of Ukrainian children is one of its worst. Stealing children is a calculated Russian attack on Ukraine’s future. Bringing them home is a priority. We support this with funding, aid and sanctions. The EU today imposed new sanctions on individuals and entities in Russia for the systematic ‌unlawful deportation of Ukrainian children. My press remarks ahead of the Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children with @andrii_sybiha, @AnitaAnandMP and @MartaKosEU ↓

A busy day ahead as Foreign Ministers gather in Brussels. On today’s agenda: 🔹 The Western Balkans, strengthening our partners’ resilience. 🔹 Russia’s war against Ukraine, including new sanctions on those responsible for the deportation of Ukrainian children. 🔹 The Middle East, with a focus on freedom of navigation and sanctions against violent settlers. 🔹 EU–Canada relations. 🔹 Syria, including the first-ever high-level political dialogue. My doorstep remarks ahead of today’s Foreign Affairs Council ↓