The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, speaks of “steady and encouraging progress” in negotiations for a just and lasting peace for Ukraine, while stressing that “pressure will be increased on Russia” until it agrees to join “a credible path to peace.”

In a statement issued shortly after the teleconference of the “Alliance of the Willing” countries, which was attended by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the Commission President stresses that “we need a strong transatlantic partnership because it works”. She highlights “the significant impact of coordinated and successive waves of sanctions against the Russian economy” that “shrink Russia’s resources to wage its aggressive war.”

“Since pressure remains the only language in which Russia responds, we will continue to increase it until there is a genuine willingness to engage in a credible path to peace,” von der Leyen says, noting that “at a time when Europe and its partners are fully engaged in the search for a just and lasting peace, last night Russia escalated its attacks on Kiev, with missiles and drones even violating the airspace of Moldova and Romania”.

“It is another reminder that the security of Ukraine is the security of Europe. Ukraine’s interests are also our interests. They are inseparable. That is why we will continue to strongly support Ukraine in future negotiations.” She adds, finally, that the “central point” is the issue of Ukraine’s financing, including the use of immobilised Russian assets.