BRUSSELS

The European Union condemned on Thursday the Russian military intervention in Ukraine.

“We strongly condemn Russia's unjustified attack on Ukraine,” President of the European Council Charles Michel, European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, and EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said in a joint statement.

“In these dark hours, our thoughts are with Ukraine and the innocent women, men and children as they face this unprovoked attack and fear for their lives. We will hold the Kremlin accountable,” they added.

Von der Leyen and Michel also issued a press statement in which they called on Russia to immediately cease the hostilities and withdraw its military from Ukraine.

“Such use of force and coercion has no place in the 21st century,” they said.

Later in the day, EU leaders will meet in Brussels for an emergency summit meeting to discuss Russia's latest moves and the bloc's response.

The European Union adopted sanctions on Wednesday against Russia for violating Ukraine’s territorial integrity.

The measures target among others Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, two deputy prime ministers, high-ranking military officials, and 351 members of the Duma, as well as the Russian financial sector.