Bettel said today marked a sad, dark day for Europe, posing a risk to the continent’s stability and security. Over the last two months a number of nations joined NATO in the attempt to discourage Russia and to seek diplomatic solutions. However, last night’s military advances showed that Russia had chosen the path of war.

Bettel said he condemned Russia’s actions, which violated the Minsk Agreement.

Yesterday the EU announced a series of initial sanctions against Russia, covering three different aspects. First, individual restrictive measures against Russian individuals and entities implicated in the military action, which could see visas withdrawn.

Second, financial sanctions to restrict Russia’s involvement in EU finance markets, which will include restrictions on any purchases made to benefit the Russian government. Thirdly, EU imports of products from the two separatist states in Ukraine will be banned.

This is just the first “package” of sanctions, Bettel added, as the EU was ready to progress to more severe sanctions as the situation develops.

EU leaders will hold an emergency meeting on Thursday night in Brussels to discuss the ongoing situation and coordinate a unified response to the military action.

Bettel said it was important to define the EU’s response to President Putin, and to take a strong position with regard to Russia’s responsibility. The EU will also discuss how best to support Ukraine, prioritising an armistice with a view to protecting the civilian population.

The Luxembourg government met for an emergency council meeting this morning, Bettel added, which also covered concerns over Luxembourg’s energy sources. The government is clear that it needs to protect the country from a geopolitical energy crisis. On Monday, the government will meet with Luxembourg’s energy providers to work on a plan, as well as concrete measures to support households struggling with rising energy costs.

Bettel will address parliament this afternoon alongside Minister of Foreign Affairs Jean Asselborn, and Minister of Defence Francois Bausch. A phone call with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy will follow, before he heads to Brussels for the EU summit. On Friday morning the government council will meet once more.

The Prime Minister reiterated that Luxembourg would prioritise the best possible solutions for people in Ukraine, Europe, and at home in Luxembourg. He declined to answer journalists’ questions at this time.