EU clenches fist over Ukraine invasion, massive sanctions to befell Moscow

Early this morning, Russian troops invaded Ukraine, a free and sovereign country, said von der leyen, pointing out that "once again, in the centre of Europe, innocent women, men and children are dying or fear for their lives."

We condemn this barbaric attack, and the cynical arguments to justify it.

Earlier today, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba announced that the Russians had launched a full-scale invasion. “This is a war of aggression. Ukraine will defend itself and will win. The world can and must stop Putin. The time to act is now,” he tweeted.

Repeating well worn lies to justify his invasion, Putin said he was seeking to prevent a genocide against Russian-speakers and vowed a “demilitarization and de-Nazification of Ukraine,” Politico reported.

Putin brazenly claimed his plans “don’t include occupation of Ukrainian territory, we are not going to impose anything on anyone by force.”

To anyone who would consider interfering from outside: If you do, you will face consequences greater than any you have faced in history. All the relevant decisions have been taken. I hope you hear me,

he said.

The Commission President stressed that it is President Putin, who is bringing war back to Europe.

"In these dark hours, the European Union and its people stand by Ukraine and its people. We are facing an unprecedented act of aggression by the Russian leadership against a sovereign, independent country.

Russia's target is not only Donbass, the target is not only Ukraine, the target is the stability in Europe and the whole of the international peace order. And we will hold President Putin accountable for that.

She said that later today, they will present a package of massive and targeted sanctions, to European Leaders for approval.

With this package, the EU will

• target strategic sectors of the Russian economy by blocking their access to technologies and markets that are key for Russia;
• weaken Russia's economic base and its capacity to modernise;
• freeze Russian assets in the European Union and stop the access of Russian banks to European financial markets.

The President noted that like with the first package of sanctions, the EU is closely aligned with its partners and allies – the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, but also, for example, Japan and Australia.

These sanctions are designed to take a heavy toll on the Kremlin's interests and their ability to finance war.

Von der Leyen stressed that millions of Russians do not want war. Putin, she added, is "trying to turn back the clock to the times of the Russian empire. But in doing so, he is putting at risk the future of the Russian people."

"I call on Russia to immediately stop the violence and to withdraw its troops from Ukraine's territory.

We will not let President Putin tear down the security architecture that has given Europe peace and stability over many decades. We will not allow President Putin to replace the rule of law by the rule of force and ruthlessness. He should not underestimate the resolve and strength of our democracies.

"History has proven that societies and alliances built on trust and freedom are resilient and successful. And that is exactly what the autocrats fear. The European Union stands with Ukraine and its people. We will continue to support them. Ukraine will prevail," concluded von der Leyen.