'Putin doesn't want peace. Ukraine will get everything it needs to defend itself,' von der Leyen
Photo: Ursula von der Leyen (Getty Images)
The European Union will continue to support Ukraine with military and economic resources. Europe has already invested €175 billion into the country's defense and economy, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen says in an interview with CNN.
"We will be ironclad by the side of Ukraine. And that is also giving them the military capabilities they need to defend their country," von der Leyen said.
Ukraine's fight and the EU's position
The head of the European Commission noted that Ukraine is fighting not only for its independence and sovereignty but also for the preservation of the international order.
According to her, this war is about respect for the international charter, sovereignty, and the territorial integrity of states.
"The evidence is overwhelming that Putin is the predator. He does not want peace. And we have to be very clear that international rules have to be respected," von der Leyen stated.
Relations with the US and Trump's position
Von der Leyen also commented on recent statements by Donald Trump regarding the war in Ukraine.
She stressed that the US makes its own decisions, but the EU has always clearly expressed its support for Kyiv.
She underlined that it is up to Ukraine to decide which territories to defend and what negotiations to pursue.
"The aim is that Putin comes to the negotiation table, because we all want peace," she said.
Europe's energy independence
The President also spoke about reducing Europe's dependence on Russian energy resources.
According to her, imports of coal from Russia have been completely stopped, while oil supplies have fallen to 3%.
"Three years ago, when the war started, there was a huge dependence on Russian gas. Today, we have almost got rid of Russian fossil fuels, and now we need to finish this process," von der Leyen noted.
New sanctions against Russian gas
Von der Leyen confirmed that the EU is ready to impose sanctions on imports of Russian LNG.
She explained that in some European countries, deliveries are still ongoing and must be stopped.
"We have proposed to sanction LNG coming to the European market that comes from Russia... In a few months, they (some members of the EU - ed.) have to get rid of LNG," the Commission President said.
As a reminder, US President Donald Trump recently stated that Ukraine can fully restore its territory and then "go even further."
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the EU views Trump's latest remarks "very positively."
