The idea of spheres of influence is a ghost of the last century, stressed President of the Commission Ursula von der Leyen speaking at the plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg.
Russia sent conflicting messages yesterday, she said. On the one hand, the authorities announced the withdrawal of Russian troops and, on the other hand, the Duma voted in favor of the official recognition of Donetsk and Luhansk as independent democracies. He noted, however, that diplomacy could still have an effect.
“We are facing the largest accumulation of troops on European soil since the darkest days of the Cold War. The people of Ukraine are bravely trying to get on with their lives. But many of them keep emergency bags in their doors with basic clothes and important documents, in case they have to leave the house in a hurry. Others have stored food containers, to prepare for the worst. Some have even set up shelters in their basements.
“These are not stories from the 1940s. This is the Europe of 2022,” she said.
She noted that “Ukraine is a sovereign country. She makes choices for her own future.
But this does not like Kremlin“and so threatens war.”
Ursula von der Leyen stressed that the idea that the Kremlin should decide what they can or may not want can not be accepted and stressed that “the idea of spheres of influence is a ghost of the last century.”
“This crisis is in Ukraine – and beyond. It has to do with what it means to be a sovereign, independent and free country in the 21st century. It is the right of everyone to live without fear.
I really hope that the Kremlin will decide not to launch further violence in Europe. Yesterday, Russia was definitely sending conflicting messages. On the one hand, the authorities announce the withdrawal of Russian troops. On the other hand, the Duma votes in favor of the official recognition of Donetsk and Luhansk as independent democracies. Diplomacy has not yet said its last words. Earlier this month, Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov wrote 36 letters to each European Union member state and NATO ally, with a series of requests. He received two letters in return. One by Josep Borrell on behalf of the European Union and one by Jens Stoltenberg on behalf of NATO. Once again, the Russian government tried to divide us. “But their attempt failed,” said Ursula von der Leyen.
The President of the Commission pointed out that “the European Union and its transatlantic partners are united in this crisis. Our call to Russia is clear: Do not choose war. A path of cooperation between us and Russia is still possible. But let us be vigilant. Despite yesterday’s news, NATO has not yet seen signs of a reduction in Russian troops. And if the Kremlin chooses violence against Ukraine, our response will be strong and united. The European Commission and the European External Action Service work closely with all Member States to prepare a strong and comprehensive package of possible sanctions. And we have worked closely with our friends on USAthe United Kingdom and Canada “.
Ursula von der Leyen stressed that “in case of Russian aggression, Europe’s reaction will be swift and strong. We are not just talking about freezing assets and banning travel for Russians. Russia’s strategic interest is to diversify its one-sided economy, and close its current gaps. “But that requires technologies in which we are a world leader, high-tech components for which Russia depends almost entirely on us.”
At the same time, the President of the Commission referred to the energy issue. “We are also ready in case the Russian leadership decides to use energy as a weapon. We are currently in talks with many countries that are ready to increase their exports of liquefied natural gas to the EU. In recent weeks, we have considered all possible scenarios in case Russia decides to partially or completely cut off gas supplies “And I can say that our models show that we are safe this winter.”
“This is a crisis that Moscow has created,” she said. We did not choose the controversy, but we are prepared for it. We now have two options for the future. At one point, the Kremlin decides to wage war on Ukraine, at enormous human cost, something we thought we had left behind after the tragedies of the twentieth century. Moscow’s relations with us would be seriously affected. There will be harsh sanctions, with dire consequences for the Russian economy and the prospect of modernization. But another future is possible. A future in which Russia and Europe work together for their common interests. A future where free countries work together peacefully. That is my ambition. “
“I am convinced that the Russian people share this ambition. “It is now up to the Kremlin to decide.”
Finally, Ursula von der Leyen stressed that “Europe will be united on the side of Ukraine, on the side of peace, on the side of the peoples of Europe.”
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