On the anniversary of the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the EU desires to indicate solidarity in Kiev. Commission President von der Leyen is visiting – however with out the hoped-for billions in help along with her.
The European Union has pledged its full assist to Ukraine on the fourth anniversary of the Russian assault. During their go to to Kiev at the moment, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Council President António Costa emphasised that the EU stays “firmly on the side of Ukraine”.
EU leaders joined a number of European heads of state and authorities in a commemoration ceremony to mark the anniversary. It can be deliberate that they may get an on-site have a look at the destruction of Ukrainian vitality infrastructure brought on by Russian missile assaults and in addition meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
During her go to, von der Leyen wished to underline “our ongoing commitment to Ukraine’s just struggle,” as she wrote on X this morning. Even on this harsh winter, Europe stands steadfastly by the nation. The Commission President additionally desires to ship a “clear message” to the aggressor Russia. “We will not give in until peace is restored. Peace on Ukraine’s terms,” mentioned von der Leyen.
No billions EU help package deal for Ukraine
However, EU leaders are coming to Kiev empty-handed as two Eastern European member states oppose neighboring Ukraine. New deliberate sanctions in opposition to Russia had been blocked by Hungary and Slovakia, each of that are depending on Russian vitality provides.
Hungary additionally vetoed a key EU struggle mortgage to Ukraine. A complete of 90 billion euros is concerned, of which 60 billion euros are supposed for the defensive marketing campaign in opposition to Russia. It will in all probability now solely be potential to announce a 100 million euro emergency help package deal for Ukraine’s vitality safety, which doesn’t require a unanimous choice.
Nevertheless, the EU assured in a press release at the moment that it might stay “the largest donor to Ukraine.” To strengthen Ukraine’s vitality safety, a brand new plan is being labored on to restore broken energy crops extra shortly and convey them again onto the facility grid, it mentioned.
The EU will put additional strain on Russia “so that it stops its aggression.” The focus can be on Russia’s vitality and monetary sectors and the shadow fleet. However, there was no dedication to his nation’s EU membership subsequent yr, as demanded by Ukrainian President Zelensky.
https://www.tagesschau.de/ausland/europa/ukraine-von-der-leyen-besuch-100.html