BRUSSELS, Nov 25 (KUNA) -- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen affirmed on Tuesday that pressure remains "the only language Russia responds to," stressing that the European Union "will continue to increase this pressure until Moscow demonstrates a genuine willingness to engage on a credible path toward peace." Von der Leyen's remarks came in a statement following a meeting of the partners of the Coalition of the Willing to review progress in negotiations aimed at achieving a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. She noted that the past days and hours have seen "steady and encouraging progress" on that front.
She welcomed the presence of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio during the call, emphasizing that transatlantic cooperation "continues to prove its effectiveness and ability to deliver results." She explained that the coordinated and successive waves of sanctions imposed by the EU and its partners "have had a tangible impact in reducing the resources Russia relies on to sustain its war." Von der Leyen noted that Moscow escalated its attacks on Kyiv last night using missiles and drones, with violations recorded in Moldovan and Romanian airspace, describing the assault as "a further reminder that Ukraine's security is an integral part of Europe's security." She stressed that "Ukraine's interests are Europe's interests, and they cannot be separated," affirming that the European Union will remain "steadfast in its support for Kyiv" in the upcoming negotiations. She added that one of the central issues is the mechanism for financing support to Ukraine, including the use of frozen Russian sovereign assets. (end) arn.hb