In a joint statement, the leaders of the European Union reaffirmed their commitment to Ukraine as the war enters its third year. European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, European Council President António Costa, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stressed the importance of transatlantic and global solidarity with Ukraine, particularly in light of ongoing geopolitical tensions.
The statement paid tribute to those who have lost their lives in the conflict and condemned Russia’s leadership for its actions. “Russia and its people are paying a price for their leader’s actions,” the EU leaders said, underscoring the human and economic costs of the war.
“Three years ago, Russia launched its full-scale and illegal war of aggression against Ukraine. This brutal war deliberately targets civilian and critical infrastructure. Russia and its leadership bear sole responsibility for this war and the atrocities committed against the Ukrainian population. We continue to call for accountability for all war crimes and crimes against humanity committed.”
The EU pledged continued financial and military support for Ukraine, including assistance for the country’s post-war reconstruction. The statement highlighted the unprecedented measures taken to bolster European defense industry production, aiming to strengthen both Ukraine’s military capacity and Europe’s overall defense readiness.
EU Imposes 16th Round of Sanctions on Russia
Marking the anniversary, the European Union has introduced a new wave of sanctions against Russia, the 16th round since the start of the full-scale invasion. The latest measures include extended restrictions on Russian aluminum imports and a significant crackdown on Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet,” which seeks to bypass previous sanctions. The number of sanctioned vessels has now increased to 153.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas emphasized the broad scope of the new sanctions. “This new round not only targets the Russian shadow fleet but also those who support the operation of unsafe oil tankers, video game controllers used to pilot drones, banks used to circumvent our sanctions, and propaganda outlets used to spread misinformation,” she stated.
Kallas highlighted the strategic role of sanctions in ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the war. “With talks underway to end Russia’s aggression, we must put Ukraine in the strongest possible position. Sanctions provide leverage.”
Sanctions, which can limit trade, restrict financing, freeze assets, or ban travel, have been a key tool for Western nations in response to Russia’s invasion. The EU and its allies continue to use economic and political pressure to counter Russian aggression and support Ukraine’s sovereignty.