365bet�����������籭

LONDON 

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Friday emphasized the EU’s unity and determination in supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty.

Speaking at the European Political Community (EPC) summit alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Albania’s capital Tirana, von der Leyen said: “Europe has emerged bigger and stronger from every crisis, Europe has moved closer together in the face of these turning points in history, and Europe has stood united in its unwavering support to Ukraine.”

Highlighting the severe economic impact of sanctions on Russia, von der Leyen detailed their effect on the Kremlin’s ability to finance the war.

“Russia's oil and gas revenues have fallen by almost 80% compared to before the war. Russia's deficit is skyrocketing. Interest rates are prohibitively high. Inflation is on the rise, well above 10%,” she said.

She reiterated that sanctions are not just punitive but part of a broader strategy to force Russia to the negotiating table. “We are ready to do more to bring Putin to the negotiating table. Many of the speakers mentioned it, this war has to end … we are working on the next set of sanctions.”

The upcoming package, she revealed, will target key sectors of the Russian economy. “Main elements of this package will be, for example, sanctions on Nord Stream one and Nord Stream two, further listing of vessels in the shadow fleet and lower the oil price cap and more sanctions on Russia’s financial sector.”

Von der Leyen also stressed that the founding of the EPC was deeply rooted in solidarity with Ukraine, adding: “The mere fact that we are sitting here today together with you, Volodymyr, is proof of our ironclad unity … For three long years now, we have demonstrated our unity, our resolve and even greater cooperation to defend the sovereignty of Ukraine.

“We want peace, and it is time to seriously engage on that.”