European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said there has been "steady and encouraging progress" in negotiations toward a just and lasting peace for Ukraine, while stressing that pressure on Russia will be increased until Moscow agrees to take part in "a credible path to peace."
In a statement issued shortly after a videoconference of the countries in the "Coalition of the Willing" — a meeting that included U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio — von der Leyen underlined the need for "strong transatlantic cooperation, because it delivers." She highlighted the "significant impact of coordinated and successive waves of sanctions on the Russian economy," saying these measures "reduce Russia's resources to wage its aggressive war."
"Given that pressure remains the only language to which Russia responds, we will continue to increase it until there is genuine willingness to participate in a credible path to peace," von der Leyen said. She noted that while Europe and its partners are fully engaged in seeking a fair and sustainable peace, Russia escalated attacks on Kyiv last night, launching missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles that even violated the airspace of Moldova and Romania.
"This is another reminder that Ukraine's security is Europe's security. Ukraine's interests are our interests. They are inseparable. That is why we will continue to strongly support Ukraine in future negotiations," the Commission president added. She also emphasized that a central issue is Ukraine's financing, including the use of frozen Russian assets.
