(MENAFN- UkrinForm) Putin's imperial ambitions have turned into a bleak reality, while Ukraine's dreams are stronger than ever, including those of the EU membership. That's according to the European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, who spoke at the European Parliament Plenary on one year of Russia's invasion and war of aggression against Ukraine, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.
“One year on, Putin's perfidious plans continue to be foiled by the brave Ukrainian nation. One year on, Russia has completely alienated itself from Europe, its most important economic relationship, and is isolated on the world stage. (...) And one year on, Putin's imperial fantasies have woken up to a bleak reality, while Ukraine's dreams are stronger than ever. (...)Some predicted that Ukraine would fall in a matter of days. But instead, the legendary bravery of the Ukrainian people stunned the world.
And they will prevail,” von der Leyen said.
The EC president recalled that since Russia's full-scale invasion, the European Union has provided Ukraine with EUR 67 billion in economic, humanitarian, and military assistance. In addition, during the visit of the EC leadership to Kyiv, a roadmap for expanding Ukraine's access to the European single market was agreed upon.
'Putin wanted to shatter Ukraine's European dream. Today Ukraine is moving towards the European Union more quickly and more decisively than ever,' the president of the European Commission emphasized.
She called on MEPs to support Ukraine's dream of EU membership.
Read also: kuleba: many countries and institutions to impose new sanctions on russia to mark invasion anniversary 'Ukrainians are making tangible progress – while fighting a war. They know that accession to our Union is a merits-based process. They have passed legislative reforms that others thought would take years. They are making this progress because they are striving for Europe with all their heart and soul. (...)Let us honor these dreams by standing up for Ukraine for as long as it takes. So that one day the representatives of the Ukrainian people will have their place in this very House,' von der Leyen said.
She recalled that the EU has already introduced nine packages of sanctions against the Russian Federation.
'And to keep up this strong pressure, we are proposing a tenth package of measures. With new trade bans and technology export controls to Russia. This package is worth a total of EUR 11 billion. We propose, among other things export restrictions on multiple electronic components used in Russian armed systems – such as drones, missiles, helicopters. (...) [F]or the first time we are also proposing to sanction Iranian entities including those linked to Iran's Revolutionary Guard,” she emphasized.
At the same time, von der Leyen noted that Putin's attempt to blackmail Europe in the energy sector“has been an abject failure.” In particular, the EC president pointed out that gas prices in Europe are now lower than before the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and that Europe is actively investing in green energy and energy independence.
Read also: almost 200 companies pull from russian market 'By contrast, the Kremlin is having to sell gold reserves in order to plug the gaps left by the lack of oil revenue,' she said.
As Ukrinform reported earlier, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine insists that the EU should introduce sanctions against the Russian nuclear, missile, and drone industry, as well as part of the IT sector.