According to him, against the background of the escalation in the Donbass and the threat of a Russian invasion of Ukraine, there is a big question whether the Kremlin wants to enter into a dialogue with the West on security guarantees at all.
“A few days ago, their words gave a very small ray of hope. But their actions are taking the form of an ongoing military buildup, serious incidents in the Donbass, including today. We cannot offer an olive branch forever while Russia conducts missile tests and continues to build troops One thing is for sure: if there is further military aggression, we will respond with massive sanctions,” Michel said.
He stressed that the European Union firmly supports Ukraine, sovereignty and its territorial integrity.
“The people of Ukraine have made a free choice of democratic values, the rule of law and reforms, and this is of great importance. But this democratic choice is perceived by the Kremlin as an existential threat due to its possible spread to the entire region,” Michel added.
Note that the phrase “olive branch” in this context is used as a symbolic attribute of peace, harmony and wisdom.
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