The new package of sanctions against Russia “will include economic sanctions that severely restrict Russia’s access to the capital markets,” said the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen in joint statements with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg and President of the European Council Charles Michel at NATO Headquarters in Brussels.
“These sanctions will have a serious impact (on Russia). Russia’s economy has already come under intense pressure in recent weeks,” she stressed, adding that “they will stifle its economic growth.” The commission also said that “the second pillar of the sanctions is to restrict Russia’s access to critical technology.”
“Our measures will weaken Russia’s technological position in key areas, from which the elite earns most of its money,” she said.
In addition, she stressed that “it is President Putin who should explain this to his citizens. I know the Russian people do not want this war.”
Finally, Ursula von der Leyen pointed out that “the European Union and NATO have worked closely and this crisis will bring us even closer. It is our common duty to resist the most vicious act on European soil in decades. Our unity is our strength.”
