After seven hours of talks, three of which with US President Joe Biden and one with the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky, the European leaders promised Ukraine more military, humanitarian and economic aid, but did not impose new sanctions on Russia.

The EU and USA stated their preparedness to impose more sanctions on Russia and Belarus and to stop any attempts to circumvent the sanctions now in place.

“If we want to have new sanctions, we need to have them as a reaction to something. (…) But the fact is, if we take sanctions now, more sanctions, with a situation that is still a status quo, what will be the next step?” Xavier Bettel, Prime Minister of Luxembourg said.

Josep Borrell, EU  High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy stated: “The next two weeks are going to decide on which side the victory will fall. And we must continue to help, by supplying arms.” Bulgaria stands with us, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in his address. For the first time since the start of the war he named the countries supporting the Ukrainian cause, and those which have some kind of reservations. Addressing the Council, Bulgaria’s Prime Minister Kiril Petkov stated that the countries members of the EU and of NATO must continue to stand united and resolute in their common response to the unprovoked Russian aggression. It is a priority for Bulgaria to render the necessary humanitarian aid and to provide unimpeded access to the people fleeing the war, to safe destinations, he said. 

On 28 March, Bulgaria is to host a meeting of the heads of state and government of the NATO countries in Southeastern Europe, Bulgaria’s PM Kiril Petkov has announced. 

The Russian Ministry of Defence promised to open a humanitarian corridor for the exit of foreign ships from Ukrainian ports.

The Russian forces are putting pressure on the defenders of Mariupol and there is fighting in the centre of the town.

Thousands marched in a peaceful procession in support of Ukraine and Bulgaria’s Euro-Atlantic orientation along the central Sofia boulevard Tsar Osvoboditel last night. The participants, carrying Ukrainian and Bulgarian flags, briefly blocked traffic at the key Sofia intersection Eagles’ Bridge.

Photos and video: Ani Petrova