Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has welcomed the decision taken by the EU envoy to impose the 16th package of sanctions on Russia as the third-anniversary approaches of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
“I welcome the agreement on our 16th package of sanctions. The EU is clamping down even harder on circumvention by targeting more vessels in Putin’s shadow fleet and imposing new import and export bans. We are committed to keep up the pressure on the Kremlin,”
Von der Leyen stated on X.
A day earlier, Von der Leyen held a meeting with General Keith Kellogg, US Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia, before he left for Ukraine to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
How does Von der Leyen support Ukraine’s defence?
The President of the EU Commission emphasised the European Union’s critical part in ensuring Ukraine’s financial stability and security, which has committed €135 billion, more than any other partner. This includes $52 billion in military aid, comparing US contributions.
She also outlined the European Union’s plans to boost defence production and spending. Von der Leyen further reinforced both European and Ukrainian military abilities besides highlighting that the EU is carrying its full share of military assistance to Ukraine and “stands ready” to do even more.
“Reaffirming the EU’s commitment to a just and lasting peace, the President reiterated that any resolution must respect Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, backed by strong security guarantees. She also expressed the EU’s willingness to work alongside the US to end the bloodshed and help secure the just and lasting peace that Ukraine and its people rightfully deserve,”
The Commission statement also said.
I welcome the agreement on our 16th package of sanctions.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) February 19, 2025
The EU is clamping down even harder on circumvention by targeting more vessels in Putin’s shadow fleet and imposing new import and export bans.
We are committed to keep up the pressure on the Kremlin.
