European Commission President: Russia failed to respect agreement not to target energy sector
The European Commission President and European Council President affirmed that Russia did not respect the ceasefire, stressing the need to continue sanctions and support for Ukraine.
Translated by Qiyas from كونا — Original source
Brussels, October 16 (KUNA) – European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen affirmed on Friday that Russia had not respected the ceasefire agreement and the commitment not to target the energy sector, which was backed by U.S. President Donald Trump “for even a single minute,” stressing the need to increase pressure on Moscow and continue supporting Ukraine.
Speaking to journalists ahead of the second day of the European Union leaders’ summit in Brussels, von der Leyen said, “Russia has escalated its attacks instead of complying with the ceasefire,” adding that the EU is currently preparing its 22nd package of sanctions against Moscow. She added, “One thing is very clear: we will not lift any sanctions unless Russia stops this war,” reaffirming the EU’s steadfast support for Ukraine, particularly in the face of Russian attacks targeting energy and water infrastructure as winter approaches.
For his part, European Council President António Costa stressed in a press statement the necessity of continuing European support for Ukraine and not backing away from sanctions imposed on Russia, emphasizing that the current phase calls for increased support to Kyiv and heightened pressure on Moscow.
These remarks come as the EU reiterates its political, military, and financial support for Ukraine amid growing tensions between Washington and Kyiv following U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of an agreement on Russian diesel exports and his criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. (End) Arn / T.M.A
