EU vows new sanctions to halt Russia’s war machine
Europe has stood united against Russia and remains firm in its support for Ukraine. That was the clear message from the leaders of 47 countries at the Copenhagen summit.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that Europe is in its most difficult and dangerous situation since the Second World War. The only dissenting voice was Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, often seen as Putin's last ally in Europe.
European leaders were united in saying that Western partners must step up pressure on Russia to force an end to the war in Ukraine. "This is the only viable solution," the Danish Prime Minister, the event's host, declared.
"Russia will not stop until it is forced to do so. It represents a threat not only to Ukraine but to all of us. We must make Europe so strong that war against us becomes unthinkable. And we must do it now," the Danish Prime Minister said.
"Recent drone incidents in Europe are a clear sign that Russia still feels strong enough to escalate this war. And it was never just about Ukraine; Russia always aimed to destroy the West, especially Europe," stated Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
French President Emmanuel Macron said that economic sanctions on Russia must be severe enough to stop Moscow circumventing them.
"Forty per cent of the war effort is financed by revenues from the shadow fleet, which amounts to more than €30bn. It is vital to increase pressure on this shadow fleet to significantly reduce Russia's capacity to finance the war," Mr Macron said.
The leaders supported projects that will strengthen Europe's security, including the European Drone Wall and the Eastern Flank Observation System.
"This drone system on the Eastern Flank and, more generally, how Europe defends itself against drones, is a technical-operational discussion taking place between the defence ministers," said Romanian President Nicușor Dan.
A summit of all European leaders is scheduled to take place in Brussels on 23 and 24 October. A concrete action plan to stop the Kremlin's war machine will be presented. It is expected to be the 19th package of sanctions imposed on Russia since the war began.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
