Von der Leyen urges EU to find "most creative way" to use Russian assets for Ukraine

President Von der Leyen made this statement during a speech at the annual EU diplomats' conference in Brussels, Ukrinform reports.

According to her, the only path to peace in Ukraine is military and financial support from Ukraine's allies.

"No one wants peace more than the people of Ukraine. But there is only one way to achieve the just and lasting peace they seek. That is by providing Ukraine with military and financial strength while maintaining maximum pressure on Russia," the EC president explained.

She emphasized that the sanctions imposed by the EU have already significantly impacted the Russian economy, which is suffering from high inflation and record interest rates. Currently, the EU is working on the 16th package of sanctions against Russia and continues efforts to phase out Russian fossil fuel imports.

"It is crucial that member states continue freezing Russian assets. We must now think about how to find the most creative way to use these assets to support Ukraine in its fight for freedom. We must show the Kremlin that the longer the war lasts, the higher the cost will be for Russia," von der Leyen concluded.

• Espreso correspondent Tetiana Vysotska notes that Hungary continues to send signals about the possibility of Orban voting against the extension of sanctions.