Von der Leenen: Putin to pay for cruel war and rebuild Ukraine

European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyeen has said Russian President Vladimir Putin will pay for his cruel fight in Ukraine.

Von der Leyen has also said Russia would also pay for the reconstruction of Ukraine, saying it would be done together with partner support.

We're making Putin pay for his cruel war. Before Russia started this war, we were too loud for the heavy economic costs we would impose on Russia if it invaded Ukraine. And today, Russia is paying a heavy price as our sanctions are eroded its economy, turning it into a generation. The crude oil price limit already costs Russia about 160m euros a day and we will continue to increase further pressure”.

We will present, with our G7 partners, an additional price limit for Russian oil products. And until February 24th, exactly one year from the beginning of the invasion, we intend to have the 10th package of sanctions”.

“Russia will also have to pay for the destruction it caused and will have to contribute to the reconstruction of Ukraine. Therefore, we are exploring with our partners how to use Russia's public assets in behalf of Ukraine” said Von der Leyen of Kiev.