The EU must find a creative way to use frozen Russian assets and strengthen sanctions against Russia to make the Kremlin realize that the longer its aggressive war against Ukraine continues, the higher the price it will pay.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated this on Tuesday in Brussels during her speech at the annual EU diplomats' conference.
"No one wants peace more than the people of Ukraine. But there is only one path to the just and lasting peace they seek. That is to provide Ukraine with military and financial strength while maintaining maximum pressure on Russia," von der Leyen said.
She noted that EU sanctions are hitting the Russian economy hard, causing high inflation and a record interest rate. The EU is currently preparing its 16th package of sanctions against Russia and continues efforts to phase out Russian fossil fuels.
"It is crucial that member states continue freezing Russian assets. We must now explore the most creative ways to use these assets to support Ukraine in its fight for freedom. We need to show the Kremlin that the longer the war lasts, the higher its cost will be for Russia," von der Leyen emphasized.
On Monday, during an informal EU summit in Brussels focused on strengthening European defense, EU leaders reaffirmed their strong support for Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression.
