 "Russian attacks aim to 'wear us down, divide us,' but Europe 'is responding', says EU chief")
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday said that recent Russian aggression — including airspace violations, drone overflights, undersea cable cuts, and cyberattacks on airports and logistics hubs — was designed to “wear us down, to divide us.”
Addressing the Nordic Council summit in Stockholm, she, however, stressed that Europe is responding with unity.
“But the opposite is taking place. Together, Europe is responding,” The Guardian quoted von der Leyen as saying, highlighting the continent’s coordinated efforts to counter Russian threats.
She highlighted the Nordic countries’ collaboration as a symbol of broader European solidarity, citing a Swedish saying: “many small streams make a mighty river.”
“Europe is stronger together. Nowhere is this clearer than in Ukraine. Putin thought he could break Ukraine’s resistance in three days, or three weeks. Instead, after 1,300 days, Ukraine’s spirit is unbroken,” she said.
Von der Leyen praised Ukraine’s courage, combined with “unrelenting support of Europe,” as key factors enabling Kyiv to continue its defence.
She stressed that Europe seeks an end to the war, but “the lasting peace relies on a strong and independent Ukraine - that matters for the security of our entire continent.”
Addressing Russia’s miscalculations, she said, “Putin still believes he can outlast us. He still thinks that over time, Russia can achieve its aims on the battlefield. This is a clear miscalculation.”
Impact Shorts
More ShortsVon der Leyen underlined the importance of continued financial backing, saying: “securing long-term financial support for Ukraine is essential” and that adopting a reparations loan from immobilised Russian assets would be “the most effective way to sustain Ukraine’s defence and its economy, and the clearest way to make Russia understand that time is not on their side.”
With inputs from agencies
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