EU readies 19th sanctions package, seizes Russian frozen assets after Kyiv attack

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has condemned the overnight missile strikes on Kyiv, which targeted the EU delegation to Ukraine, and announced plans for a new sanctions package against Russia.

According to Caliber.Az, speaking in front of EU flags, von der Leyen said she was “outraged” by the attack, providing further detail on the incident: “Two missiles in a distance of 50 metres of the delegation within 20 seconds.”

She warned: “It shows that the Kremlin will stop at nothing to terrorise Ukraine.”

Describing the attack, von der Leyen added, “I’m outraged by the attack on Kyiv, also hitting our EU offices. This was the deadliest drone and missile attack on the capital since July, and as you can see behind me on the screen, it was an attack also on our delegation. 

Von der Leyen said she had spoken with the EU’s deputy ambassador and was relieved that none of the staff had been harmed. She added that the attack struck in close proximity to the diplomatic mission, the representation of the Union, with two missiles hitting within 50 metres of the delegation in the span of 20 seconds.

She emphasised the human cost of the assault: “And this is another grim reminder of what is at stake. It shows that the Kremlin will stop at nothing to terrorise Ukraine, blindly killing civilians, men, women and children, and even targeting the European Union. This is why we are keeping maximum pressure on Russia.”

Von der Leyen said the EU will soon unveil its 19th sanctions package against Moscow. “That means tightening our sanctions regime. We will come forward soon with our 19th package of hard, biting sanctions. And in parallel, we are advancing the work on the Russian frozen assets to contribute to Ukraine’s defence and reconstruction. And of course, we are ensuring strong, unwavering support to Ukraine, our neighbour, partner, friend and our future member.”

By Aghakazim Guliyev