Von der Leyen sees Russia’s failure – appeal to Kiev supporters
Published: Tuesday, Jan 16th 2024, 12:30
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At the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has called for continued support for Ukraine, which is under attack from Russia. In a speech in Davos on Tuesday, she said that developments to date showed that Ukraine could hold its own in this war. However, they must be further strengthened in their resistance.
"Ukraine needs predictability in terms of financing throughout 2024 and beyond," said von der Leyen against the backdrop of outstanding commitments from the EU. It also needs continuous arms deliveries in order to defend itself and reclaim its legal territory.
Von der Leyen saw the course of the conflict so far as proof that Kremlin boss Vladimir Putin has so far failed to achieve his strategic goals in Ukraine. "When Russia invaded Ukraine, many feared that Kiev would fall in just a few days and the rest of the country within a few weeks," she said. But this did not happen. Instead, Russia has lost about half of its military strength and has been driven out of half of the territories it had originally taken.
Ukraine had also pushed back the Russian Black Sea fleet and reopened a sea corridor through which grain could be delivered to the whole world. "Ukraine has retained its freedom and independence," said von der Leyen.
In addition to the military failure, there is also an economic and diplomatic failure. "Sanctions have cut the country's economy off from modern technologies and innovations. It is now dependent on China," explained the former German defense minister. Finland had also joined NATO and Sweden would soon follow suit. At the same time, Ukraine has moved closer than ever to the European Union.
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