EU chief backs tougher Russia sanctions as new package nears

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urged stronger sanctions and defence support for Ukraine as the EU's 18th sanctions package against Russia nears approval.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Thursday called for increased pressure on Russia through new sanctions and expanded military aid for Ukraine, as the European Union's 18th sanctions package edges closer to finalisation.

Speaking in Aarhus alongside Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and European Council President Antonio Costa, von der Leyen welcomed Denmark's rotating EU Council presidency. "As a first achievement of your presidency, you can bring the 18th package to the finish line. I'm confident that this will be possible," she said.

"We all know that President Putin does not want peace, so we need to put pressure on him to come to the negotiation table. The 18th sanctions package is biting at the heart of Russia's war economy," von der Leyen added.

She also reiterated the EU's military support for Ukraine, pledging two million artillery shells by the end of 2025 and €2.1 billion in new defence aid, funded through windfall profits from frozen Russian assets. "In practice, Russia is paying for the weapons Ukraine is using," she said.

Addressing potential vetoes on Ukraine's EU accession, von der Leyen stressed that the process remains merit-based. "Ukraine deserves all the merits to move on to open the first cluster. So, therefore, this is now intense talks going on," she said.

European Council President Antonio Costa expressed disappointment over Russia's refusal to engage with peace efforts. "While President Zelenskyy has already agreed on an unconditional ceasefire, Russia not only hasn't agreed but is even increasing the intensity of their aggression to Ukraine," he said.

Danish Prime Minister Frederiksen said the Danish presidency would aim for a "more powerful and decisive Europe," prepared to confront growing security threats. “It has been said that we live in the age of predators. In this age, Europe must not end up being the prey," she warned.

She also voiced hope that the U.S. would continue its support for Ukraine, adding, "But if there are any gaps, then I personally believe that we should be willing to fill in."

Frederiksen emphasised the urgency of accelerating the green transition to reduce Europe's dependence on Russian energy. "Every cent we sent to Russia is a support for Russia's war machine. We cannot continue paying them killing Europeans. We need to work hard to end all import of Russian gas," she said.

Costa reaffirmed the bloc's long-term commitment to Ukraine and expressed confidence in Denmark's leadership to advance accession talks with Ukraine, Moldova, and the Western Balkans.

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