Kremlin's behavior bringing Europe back to Cold War times - von der Leyen

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said this in her remarks at a European Parliament session in Brussels on Wednesday, February 16, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

"We face the largest build-up of troops on European soil since the darkest days of the Cold War. The people of Ukraine are bravely trying to get on with their lives. But many of them keep emergency bags by their front doors, with basic clothes and important documents, in case they have to rush away from home. Others have stockpiled food cans to prepare for the worst. Some have even set up shelters in their basements. These are not stories from the 1940s. This is Europe in 2022. And this is happening because of a deliberate policy of the Russian leadership," she said.

She said that Ukraine is a sovereign country and it is making choices about its own future, but the Kremlin does not like this, and so it threatens war.

"This is the essence of the current escalation. And despite the signs of hope we saw yesterday, this it is something we simply cannot accept," von der Leyen said.

She recalled that in the last seven years, Ukraine has suffered from the Kremlin's constant aggression. "But despite that heavy burden, Ukraine has come such a long way. It has taken important steps to fight corruption, rebuilt its infrastructure, created new jobs for its talented youth. Our Union has accompanied them, putting together the largest support package in our history," she said.

According to von der Leyen, the people of Ukraine know that their democracy still has some flaws and issues to deal with. But Ukraine today is a stronger, freer and more sovereign country than in 2014. And this is precisely why the Kremlin is threatening it again.

"We stand firm with Ukraine. The idea that the Kremlin should decide what Ukrainians can or cannot desire – we simply cannot accept. The idea of spheres of influence are ghosts of the last century. This crisis is about Ukraine – and more. It is about what it means to be a sovereign, independent and free country in the 21st century. It is about everyone's right to live free from fear. It is about every country's right to determine its own future. And this is the message that our Union is passing to the Kremlin," she said.

She expressed hope that the Kremlin would decide not to unleash further violence in Europe although yesterday, Russia was certainly sending conflicting signals. On the one hand, authorities announce Russian troop pullbacks. On the other hand, the Duma votes for the formal recognition of Donetsk and Luhansk as independent "republics."

"Diplomacy has not yet spoken its last words. It is good to hear yesterday's commitment to the Minsk Agreement. [French] President [Emmanuel] Macron and [German] Chancellor [Olaf] Scholz have travelled to Kyiv and Moscow. Several others are also speaking to both sides. I am constantly exchanging with all of them, as well as with [U.S.] President [Joe] Biden, [Canadian] Prime Minister [Justin] Trudeau and [UK] Prime Minister [Boris] Johnson. The Transatlantic Community has for a long time not been so united," von der Leyen said.

As an example, she mentioned the EU's reaction to an appeal from Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov who wrote 36 letters to each and every Member State of the European Union and NATO Ally, with a series of demands. He received two letters in return: one from Josep Borrell on behalf of the European Union, and one from Jens Stoltenberg on behalf of NATO.

"The European Union and its transatlantic partners are united in this crisis. And our call on Russia is crystal clear: do not choose war. A path of cooperation between us and Russia is still possible. But let us stay vigilant. Despite yesterday's news, NATO has not yet seen signs of any Russian troop reduction. And should the Kremlin choose violence against Ukraine, our response will be strong and united," she said.

She noted that the EU was working closely with all Member States to prepare a robust and comprehensive package of potential sanctions against Russia, in close coordination with its friends in the U.S., the UK and Canada.

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