ATHENS – The need for the EU member-states to coordinate and better prepare in the case of an escalation of the crisis in Ukraine was underlined at a teleconference of European leaders on Monday, with the participation of Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, which was chaired by European Council President Charles Michel.

The meeting discussed developments in Ukraine, while it was noted that European unity must be preserved that it’s necessary to exhaust all diplomatic means and channels of communication to prevent an escalation.

The leaders reiterated that any hostile action by the Russian side would have serious repercussions with a high cost and they agreed to remain in contact.