Ursula von der Leyen: Every second in the EU comes a Ukrainian child

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyeen has said Russian President Vladimir Putin is responsible for the human tragedy in Ukraine.

Before the European Parliament, she said that so far, more than three million people have left Ukraine.

Their half are kids. Every second, a kid from Ukraine arrives at our Union. Every second. So while I'm talking to you, here in the heart of European democracy, 800 children are leaving Ukraine brave, traumatized and need help. They leave behind their brothers and fathers, not knowing if they will see” again.

The EC president has said that in the midst of this encouraging tragedy, it is to see the solidarity Europeans are showing for Ukrainian friends.

I welcome the great generosity of all Europeans, all member states and Moldova. At the European level, we will mobilise massive resources to support member states waiting for people to flee from war”.

Von der Leyen pledged more aid to Ukrainians until he said sanctions against Russia have hit the economy hard with the ruble that, according to her, has fallen to the lowest historic level earlier this month.

Global companies are leaving Russia because they do not want to fuel the war Putin has chosen. This is the legacy Putin will leave behind in Russia. He has also become the worst enemy of the Russian people”.