Brussels: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized on Tuesday that the European Union plans to increase pressure on Russia, stating that pressure is "the only language Russia responds to." She asserted that the EU would continue to apply this pressure until Moscow shows a genuine willingness to engage in a credible path toward peace. Her remarks followed a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing partners to assess progress in negotiations aimed at achieving a lasting peace in Ukraine.
According to Kuwait News Agency, von der Leyen expressed satisfaction with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's participation in the discussions, highlighting the effectiveness of transatlantic cooperation. She pointed out that the coordinated sanctions imposed by the EU and its partners have significantly impacted Russia's resources, which are crucial for sustaining its military efforts. The escalation of Russian attacks on Kyiv, involving missiles and drones, and the violations in Moldovan and Romanian airspace were noted as reminders of the interconnectedness of Ukraine's and Europe's security.
Von der Leyen reiterated that Ukraine's interests are inseparable from Europe's interests and confirmed that the EU remains committed to supporting Kyiv in the upcoming negotiations. She mentioned that a key issue to be addressed is the mechanism for financing support to Ukraine, including the potential use of frozen Russian sovereign assets.