On 4 March 2022, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and Antony Blinken, US Secretary of State, made a press statement on EU-US cooperation in response to Putin's invasion of Ukraine. 

On 24 February 2022, following months of military build-up on Ukrainian borders, armed conflicts began in Ukraine under the impulsion of Russia.  Condemning the military aggression perpetrated by Russia, the EU calls for a cease of hostilities, a withdrawal of its military from Ukraine and to respect the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Therefore, the EU Heads of State or Government endorsed a package of sanctions against Russia during a Special European Council held in Brussels, Belgium, on 25 February 2022. As the humanitarian situation in Ukraine deteriorates and neighboring countries receive Ukrainians fleeing their country, the European Commission is working on all fronts to provide emergency assistance.