EU ready to take unprecedented measures against Russia
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the European Union is ready to increase its existing sanctions against Russia and take “unprecedented” measures if Russia shows more aggression against Ukraine.
Speaking at the European Parliament, Von der Leyen also stated that the EU is working closely with the US to take steps beyond the current sanctions targeting Russia’s finance and energy sector.
Von der Leyen said, “Our response to any aggression by Russia may be to strengthen and expand the existing sanctions regime. Of course, we are also ready to take additional measures, unprecedented measures.”
Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi also said the EU should ask Russia to urgently de-escalate tensions with Ukraine.
Draghi also emphasized that support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity should be reiterated unanimously at the EU leaders’ summit.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also stated that violating Ukraine’s territorial integrity would come at a high price. Stating that Russia cannot divide the EU, Scholz said that they continue to want a dialogue with Russia.
