Is the EU Ready to Impose New Sanctions on Russia While Supporting Ukraine?

Strasbourg (France), Sep 11 (NationPress) The European Commission's President, Ursula von der Leyen, announced that the European Union (EU) is gearing up for an additional series of sanctions against Russia, while simultaneously enhancing military and financial assistance to Ukraine.

In her annual State of the Union address to the European Parliament on Wednesday (local time), von der Leyen indicated that the bloc is collaborating with partners on a 19th sanctions package, which will feature measures aimed at accelerating the exit from Russian fossil fuels and targeting Russia's shadow fleet.

She emphasized that the EU has already allocated nearly 170 billion euros (equivalent to 199 billion US dollars) in military and financial support for Ukraine, and new mechanisms are being developed to ensure sustained assistance. Among these is a financing strategy based on immobilized Russian assets to offer Ukraine a "Reparations Loan".

Von der Leyen also revealed the establishment of a "Drone Alliance" with Ukraine to help maintain its tactical advantage on the battlefield, in addition to an "Eastern Flank Watch" initiative. This would involve investments in real-time space surveillance and the construction of a "drone wall" along Europe’s eastern border, following a proposal from the Baltic states, according to reports from Xinhua news agency.

Defending a recent trade deal with the United States, von der Leyen stated that the much-discussed agreement was the best possible outcome for Europe, preventing a detrimental trade war.

She also introduced plans for a multi-billion-euro "Scaleup Europe Fund", designed to pool EU and private investments to bolster rapidly growing companies in key sectors. (1 euro = 1.17 US dollar)

However, earlier this week, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov asserted that no sanctions could compel Russia to alter its position on Ukraine.

The comments came on September 8 as the EU and Washington were discussing further sanctions against Russia. US President Donald Trump stated on September 7 that the White House is prepared to initiate the second phase of sanctions against Russia amidst stalled peace negotiations in its conflict with Ukraine.

Peskov pointed out that previous Western sanctions had proven "ineffective" in exerting pressure on Russia.

"The unprecedented volume of sanctions imposed on our nation over the last... nearly four years has had no impact," the spokesman claimed, adding that Ukraine and Europe were actively urging the United States to impose new restrictions.

The Kremlin reiterated its intention to align with US peace efforts.

"We appreciate these efforts and hope they will continue in a constructive manner," Peskov mentioned.

He further noted that Russia would closely monitor Washington's statements regarding potential new sanctions against Russia.

Peskov also remarked that Russia would persist with its special military operation until a diplomatic resolution ensures the nation's security.