Europe stands firm: Increased sanctions on Russia ahead
“We will increase punitive sanctions against Russia unless they demonstrate true willingness to achieve a lasting peace agreement,” said Ursula von der Leyen. The head of the European Commission is in Kyiv on Monday. This day marks the third anniversary of the Russian aggression against Ukraine.
When asked about potential further measures against Putin and the Kremlin, the head of the European Commission highlighted that the sanctions are already having a noticeable impact, resulting in severe inflation and prompting businesses to exit Russia. Describing them as a key element of the EU's approach, they stressed that the strategy is based on achieving peace through strength.
Ursula von der Leyen stated that the EU would continue to escalate punitive sanctions without clear indications of Russia's genuine commitment to a just and lasting peace. She emphasized that any decision regarding maintaining, strengthening, or lifting the sanctions depends on concrete actions from Russia demonstrating a willingness to establish a stable peace agreement. Speaking at a joint press conference with Volodymyr Zelensky and Justin Trudeau, she noted that, at present, there are no such signs, making it premature to discuss potential changes to the sanctions policy.
She indicated that any decisions would be made “only after we see concrete steps from the Russian side.”
The third anniversary of the Russian invasion
Presidents and prime ministers of foreign countries arrived in Kyiv on Monday for ceremonies related to the third anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The visitors to Ukraine included the head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa. The capital also hosted, among others, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and the presidents of Lithuania and Latvia, Gitanas Nausėda and Edgars Rinkēvičs, as well as Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, and the head of the Estonian government, Kristen Michal.
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