Sign in Subscribe
European Union

EU Leaders Step Up Support for Ukraine Amid Russian Aggression

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

EU leaders are intensifying their fight to support Ukraine, following a Russian air attack on the European Union's mission in downtown Kyiv. No staff were harmed in the attack, but the incident has driven EU leaders to increase pressure on Russia. EU Ambassador to Ukraine Katarina Mathernova stated that Russia seeks peace, but its actions demonstrate a different reality. The EU is now negotiating a 19th package of sanctions against Moscow, aimed at reducing its ability to continue attacking Ukraine.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Russian air attack on the EU mission in Kyiv resulted in no staff casualties, but the incident has led to a surge in EU support for Ukraine.
  • EU Ambassador to Ukraine Katarina Mathernova stated that Russia seeks peace, but its actions demonstrate a different reality.
  • EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned that the EU will keep maximum pressure on Russia and is expected to ratchet up sanctions in the coming weeks.
  • The EU is considering moving $230 billion worth of Russian assets that have been frozen in European accounts into riskier investments to earn more interest, with the profits to be given to Ukraine.
  • EU foreign ministers will discuss the sanctions package and the proposal to move frozen Russian assets in Copenhagen on Saturday.
  • Defense ministers will examine security guarantees for Ukraine in an eventual peace agreement with Russia on Friday.
  • EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas expressed pessimism about the possibility of a peace agreement with Russia, stating that Putin is "mocking any kind of peace efforts."
  • The EU is also discussing how to improve its capabilities to defend European Union territory in the worst-case scenario that Russia is not stopped in Ukraine.

Statistics:

  • 10 people were killed, dozens injured, and many buildings destroyed in the Russian air attack on Kyiv.
  • The EU is negotiating a 19th package of sanctions against Moscow worth an unspecified amount.
  • $230 billion worth of Russian assets are expected to be moved into riskier investments to earn more interest.
  • The EU has frozen Russian assets worth $230 billion in European accounts.
  • EU foreign ministers will meet in Copenhagen on Saturday to discuss the sanctions package and the proposal to move frozen Russian assets.

Sources:

  • BYLINE: TERI SCHULTZ
  • HOST: MICHEL MARTIN
  • MICHEL MARTIN:
  • TERI SCHULTZ:
  • EURACTIV
  • Euronews
  • NPR News

Read more