BRUSSELS, Feb 24, 2022 (BSS/AFP) - Russia will be held "accountable" for
its attack on Ukraine, EU chiefs Ursula von der Leyen and Charles Michel said
Thursday.

   "We strongly condemn Russia's unjustified attack on Ukraine. 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," they each
wrote on Twitter.

   "We will hold the Kremlin accountable."

   EU leaders were to hold a snap summit late Thursday, called before
overnight Russian airstrikes hit Ukrainian cities.

   They have already agreed an initial round of sanctions against Russia over
President Vladimir Putin recognising rebel-held parts of Ukraine as
independent.

   At Thursday's summit, to be chaired by Michel, they were expected to move
ahead with a second, much tougher package of sanctions.