European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Monday made a scathing attack against Russian military action in Ukraine and said Europe will make sure “unprovoked and unjustified aggression” in Ukraine is a “strategic failure.”
Making this direct accusation, she also said in Europe “we see Russia's aggression as a direct threat to our security. Enunciating her position at the Raisina Dialogue, the visiting dignitary also said “doing all we can to help Ukraine fight for its freedom. We imposed effective sanctions.”
Delivering the inaugural address in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, she touched upon ties between Russia and China.
“If we consider what it means for Europe and Asia, Russia and China have forged seemingly unrestrained pact. They have declared that friendship between them has no limits, no forbidden areas of cooperation.”
Elaborating further, the European Commission President said this pact came about in February this year. “Then, invasion of Ukraine followed.
What can we expect from the new international relations that both have called for? It's a defining moment,” she said.
She also said the decisions by many countries in the coming days will shape decades to come. “Our response to Russia's aggression today will decide the future of both the international system and global economy” she opined.
Leyen also claimed peace and security across the world was at stake adding the images coming from Ukraine have shocked. Narrating her experience after visiting Bucha in Ukraine where civilians reportedly were killed, she said, “I saw bodies lined up on ground, saw mass graves.”
“I listened to survivors of atrocious crimes Kremlin soldiers committed. These are severe violations of international law targeting and killing innocent civilians, redrawing borders by force, subjugating will of free people,” she said.
On ties with India, the European Commission President said both the countries share the same interests in safe trading routes in the strategically important Indo-Pacific region.
Lauding the democratic system here , she said every five years when Indians cast their vote in Parliamentary elections, the world watches with admiration as the world's largest democracy charts its future path because the outcome of decisions made by 1.3 billion people resonates around the globe.
As vibrant democracies, India and the EU share fundamental values and common interests, she said and stressed upon each country's right to determine its own destiny. “We believe in the rule of law and fundamental rights.
We believe that it is democracy that best delivers for citizens,” Leyen said.
Earlier in the day, she held bilateral talks with Modi and met President Ram Nath Kovind.
