European Commission plans new steps to pressure Putin

The European Commission announced it is working on new steps to intensify pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. During a press briefing in Brussels, Commission spokesperson Anita Hipper stated that Putin continues to ‘terrorize’ the Ukrainian people, citing recent attacks on Ukraine’s critical energy infrastructure that disrupted electricity, water, and heating services.

Hipper emphasized the EU’s continued support for Ukraine and explained that work is ongoing to develop new measures aimed at bringing Putin to the negotiating table. She noted the details of these potential new sanctions are being kept confidential and referred to the EU’s 19th sanctions package on Russia, approved in late October, which targeted Russian banks, crypto exchanges, and certain entities in India and China for their links with Moscow.

Experts anticipate the Commission’s upcoming actions will increase pressure on the Russian government, potentially contributing to an end to the Ukraine conflict through diplomatic means. The EU aims not only to weaken Russia’s ability to wage war but also to demonstrate its unwavering commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and security.