World
EU leader condemns ‘barbaric’ invasion of Ukraine, promises sanctions
The European Union will impose a “large and focused” raft of sanctions on Russia that may block entry to “key applied sciences” and cripple the nation’s skill to finance the Ukraine invasion, European Fee President Ursula von der Leyen has stated.
“We are going to goal strategic sectors of the Russian financial system by blocking their entry to key applied sciences and markets. We are going to weaken Russia’s financial base and its capability to modernise. As well as, we are going to freeze Russian property within the EU and cease the entry of Russian banks to the European monetary market,” she stated.
“We’re intently aligned with companions and allies. These sanctions are designed to take a heavy toll on the Kremlin’s pursuits and on their skill to finance the struggle.”
The EU has already imposed sanctions on 27 people and entities near Russian President Vladimir Putin and the 351 Duma lawmakers who voted to recognise the breakaway provinces of Donetsk and Luhansk as unbiased.
Von der Leyen delivered a brief assertion on Thursday morning in response to Russia’s determination to launch an assault in opposition to Ukraine, a turning level that places additional stress on EU leaders to ship a extra forceful and radical response.
The Fee chief put the blame squarely on President Putin for “bringing struggle again to Europe.”
“As soon as once more, within the centre of Europe, harmless ladies, males and youngsters are dying or concern for his or her lives. We condemn this barbaric assault, and the cynical arguments used to justify it,” she stated with a sombre tone.
“Russia’s goal isn’t just Donbas, the goal isn’t just Ukraine, the goal is stability in Europe and the entire worldwide rules-based order. For that, we are going to maintain Russia accountable.”
Von der Leyen additionally stated Putin was “attempting to show again the clock to the occasions of the Russian empire” and “placing in danger the way forward for the Russian folks.”
“We won’t let President Putin tear down the safety structure that has given Europe peace and stability over the previous many years. We won’t enable President Putin to exchange the rule of regulation with the rule of drive and ruthlessness. He shouldn’t underestimate the resolve and energy of our democracies,” she declared.
“Historical past has confirmed: Societies and alliances constructed on belief and freedom are resilient and profitable. And that is precisely what autocrats concern,” she added.
“Ukraine will prevail.”
EU leaders are set to satisfy later immediately in Brussels to debate a brand new sanctions regime and iron out variations between member states. The assembly might be in particular person and is scheduled to start out at 20:00 CET.