European leaders rally in Kyiv as sanctions tighten on Russia
Ursula von der Leyen stated that punitive sanctions against Russia would be intensified unless there is a genuine commitment to a lasting and just peace. The European Commission president made this remark while visiting Kyiv on Monday, a day marking the third anniversary of Russia's aggression against Ukraine.
The sanctions significantly impact Russia, causing high inflation and prompting companies to withdraw. The European Commission president highlighted that these measures align with the EU’s strategy of pursuing peace through strength. She made this statement in response to a question about potential further actions against Putin and the Kremlin.
Ursula von der Leyen stated that unless Russia shows a genuine commitment to a lasting and just peace, punitive sanctions will continue to increase. She emphasized that any discussion on maintaining, strengthening, or lifting sanctions remains premature, as there have been no concrete actions from Russia indicating a willingness to reach a stable peace agreement. Her remarks were made during a joint press conference with Volodymyr Zelensky and Justin Trudeau.
She indicated that any decisions will be made “only after we see concrete steps from the Russian side.”
Earlier, the head of the European Commission, the President of the Council, Antonio Costa, and the head of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, announced that the EU is ready to increase pressure on Moscow, a clear example of which is the adoption of the 16th package of sanctions against Russia on Monday.
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.
Visits to Ukraine are being made by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa. Also in the capital are, 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 Sanchez, and the head of the Estonian government, Kristen Michal.
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