The European Union strengthens its stance towards Russia and supports Ukraine

The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, announced during a press conference in Brussels the proposal to increase tariffs on imports of Russian and Belarusian grain and its derivatives as a measure to prevent these products from destabilizing the European Union market. Von der Leyen emphasized the importance of this measure to prevent Russia from using the revenues from cereal exports to the EU and to prevent illegally obtained Ukrainian grain from entering the European market. During the European Union leaders' summit, the commitment to continue supporting Ukraine, both politically and in terms of military and economic assistance, was reaffirmed. European leaders expressed their determination to provide all necessary support to Ukraine, especially in terms of air defense systems, ammunition, and missiles, at a critical time when the country faces significant security challenges. It was also highlighted the approval of a 5 billion euro military support fund for Ukraine, as well as the need to accelerate the delivery of military assistance by the European Union and its member states. Leaders also advocated for advancing the use of frozen Russian assets to finance weapons and ammunition for Ukraine, with the hope of disbursing the first 1 billion euros by July 1. In this context, European leaders reaffirmed their strong stance against Russian aggression, emphasizing that they will not allow Russia to achieve its objectives in Ukraine after two years of invasion and ten years of the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol. The European Union committed to continue supporting Ukraine in its fight for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and to respond firmly to Russia's aggressive actions in the region. In summary, the proposal to increase tariffs on Russian grain imports, along with the commitment to support Ukraine, reflects the European Union's united stance against security challenges in the region and its firmness in defending the principles of sovereignty and respect for international law.