Senior European Union officials condemned Russian missile and drone attacks last night against Ukraine, calling them further evidence of President Vladimir Putin's lack of desire for peace talks, DPA reported, quoted by BTA.
"Once again, the Kremlin mocks diplomacy, tramples on international law and kills indiscriminately", European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wrote in "Ex". "He talks about peace, while at the same time stepping up bombing and shelling government buildings and homes - this is Putin's idea of "peace", added European Council President Antonio Costa.
Both stressed that discussions continued over the weekend on the 19th package of sanctions against Russia over the war in Ukraine. It is expected that an official draft of legislative measures will be proposed in the coming days, which must be approved by the governments of the 27 member states.
Among the possible new sanctions, a further increase in tariffs and a ban on the import of more Russian goods are being discussed, sanctions against third countries and companies that profit from Moscow's war, tougher action against the so-called a shadowy Russian fleet that circumvents energy sector restrictions, as well as restrictions on cryptocurrency transactions used to finance Russian armaments.
The idea is that the European sanctions will be coordinated with new punitive measures from the United States. However, this is not certain for now. One of the reasons is that the administration of President Donald Trump is insisting that the EU completely stop importing Russian energy, which is being rejected by countries such as Hungary. In addition, the United States is pushing for stronger pressure on China for its support for Russia.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also commented on the largest Russian air attack on Ukraine since the beginning of the war, carried out last night. In it, the main government building in Kiev was set on fire.
"I am horrified by this yet another brutal attack tonight on Kiev and other parts of Ukraine, which has taken the lives of civilians and damaged vital infrastructure. "For the first time, a blow has been struck at the very heart of Ukrainian civilian power. These vile attacks show that Putin believes he can act with impunity. It is obvious that he does not seek peace," he said.
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Sep 7, 2025 19:09 300