Putin using Ukrainian refugees as weapon, but EU will accept everyone - Borrell

EU High Representative Josep Borrell said this at a press conference in Brussels following a joint session of the Ministers of Defence and Foreign Affairs, Ukrinform reports.

"At the moment, there are 3.3 million refugees, and the flow continues. I am convinced that Putin is using refugees as a tool, as a weapon. Sending as many as they can. They have not destroyed transport infrastructure; they just destroy the cities in order to terrify the civilians and make them escape. We are ready to help all of them. This an asymmetric burden, because some Member States, on the border [with Ukraine], are having a stronger burden. They are facing this flow of refugees in the frontline, but all Member States will act in full solidarity to attend these people," Borrell said.

He said that during the meeting the ministers had a conversation with Moldovan Foreign Minister Nicu Popescu. He said that Moldova is one of the countries more affected and most threatened by the Russian aggression and they are responding with incredible generosity and solidarity with their Ukrainian neighbors.

"30% of the children in Moldova today are children from Ukraine, refugees from Ukraine. Their education system is under huge strain, but they are integrating them fully, allowing them to continue learning. They need our support. We will provide all the support they need in order to face this challenging situation," Borrell said.

Photo: CTK Photo