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| European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (second from left) in Finland and the Prime Minister of Finland, here in Estonia, and the Deputy Prime Minister of Sweden attend a press conference. (24 November 2022) |
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on Thursday (November 24) that the European Union is ready to impose the ninth round of sanctions against Russia to punish it for its war of aggression against Ukraine.
Von der Leyen said at a press conference that “we are working to combat Russia’s sore points in order to further weaken its ability to fight the war against Ukraine.” “
I am announcing today that we are moving forward at full speed with the ninth sanctions package,” von der Leyen said.
Von der Leyen said she was confident that a global price cap would soon be set on Russian oil sales to the G7 and its key partners. She made it clear that the EU will not relent until Ukraine defeats Putin and wins this war.
However, von der Leyen did not say what specific measures the new round of EU sanctions against Russia would include.
The European Union last month passed its eighth round of sanctions package, which includes more restrictions on Russia’s steel trade and exports of technology products.
The Prime Minister of the Netherlands, the Prime Minister of Estonia, and the Deputy Prime Minister of Sweden participated in the joint press conference. Von der Leyen said Russia’s attacks on civilian facilities in Ukraine, such as electricity supply facilities, amounted to war crimes.
The EU leader said she was confident that Ukraine’s friends would prevail over Russia’s tricks because “the Ukrainian people are strong, their cause is just, and we, the EU, will stand with them in this difficult time, no matter how long it takes.” The
European Parliament on Wednesday designated Russia a state sponsor of terrorism, condemning Russian forces for violating international law by attacking civilian targets such as Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, hospitals, schools, and shelters.
(This article is based on a Reuters report)