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EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell urged more sanctions against Russia over plans to hold referendums in the Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions of Ukraine.

“The EU reiterates its calls on Russia to respect the principles of the UN Charter and to reverse these illegal plans,” Borrell said in a statement late on Wednesday.

“Russia, its political leadership, and all those involved in organising these “referenda” as well as in other violations of international law and international humanitarian law in Ukraine will be held accountable, and additional restrictive measures against Russia will be brought forward as soon as possible in coordination with our partners,” the top EU official said.

Borrell reiterated the EU’s “unwavering” support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, demanding that Russia “immediately, completely and unconditionally” withdraw all of its troops and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.