Von der Leyen from Tirana: EU preparing new sanctions package against Russia, will increase pressure on Putin

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyeen has indicated that the EU will increase pressure on Vladimir Putin so that he can be forced to accept peace in Ukraine.

Comments Von der Leyen made from Tirana, where the European Political Community meeting is being held and where leaders of different EU countries are present.

She also said that Putin is clearly not interested in peace, as she added that the EU would prepare a new package of sanctions against the Russian financial sector.

“Putin called for a ceasefire on May 9th, but never applied. While Ukraine demanded a US and EU-backed ceasefire, Putin rejected it. Putin then proposed that Russia and Ukraine meet directly in Turkey for talks.

Zelensky agreed, but Putin did not show up. Therefore, we will increase pressure on Russia, work on a package of sanctions, sanctions that apply to Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2.

We will lower the ceiling of oil prices and then have other sanctions in the Russian financial sector. Because we want peace and we're going to pressure until Putin does this”, Von der Layeen said. /Periscope/