European leaders unite in Kyiv, vow to tighten Russia sanctions
Ursula von der Leyen stated that without a genuine commitment from Russia toward a lasting and just peace, punitive sanctions would be further intensified. The European Commission president made this statement while in Kyiv on Monday, a day that marks three years since the start of Russia's aggression against Ukraine.
The sanctions are already significantly impacting, leading to high inflation and prompting companies to exit Russia. According to the European Commission president, these measures are part of a broader strategy to achieve peace through strength. She made this statement in response to a question about potential further EU actions against Putin and the Kremlin.
Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that punitive sanctions would intensify without genuine efforts from Russia toward a lasting and just peace. She stated that any discussion on maintaining, increasing, or lifting sanctions is premature, as Russia currently shows no indication of a commitment to a stable peace agreement. Her remarks came during a joint press conference with Volodymyr Zelensky and Justin Trudeau.
She indicated that any decisions would be made "only after we see concrete steps on the Russian side."
Earlier, the head of the European Commission, Council President Antonio Costa, and European Parliament President Roberta Metsola stated that the EU is ready to increase pressure on Moscow by adopting the 16th package of sanctions against Russia on Monday.
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 head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President Antonio Costa are visiting Ukraine. In the capital, they will also be joined by Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the presidents of Lithuania and Latvia, Gitanas Nausėda and Edgars Rinkēvičs, Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, and Estonia's government leader Kristen Michal.
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