Russia poses a threat to the existence of Europe - von der Leyen

The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, believes that Russia poses an existential threat to the existence of not only Ukraine, but also the entire EU, so we cannot give the President of the Russian Federation, Volodymyr Putin, a chance to change the future of Europe.

She stated this in Strasbourg at the solemn meeting of the European Parliament, dedicated to the largest expansion of the Union, which took place 20 years ago, on May 1, 2004, according to Ukrinform.

"It is my duty today to deliver a very stern message about the future of our Union. Because what happens in Ukraine will forever determine our future. We cannot ignore the fact that Russia poses an existential threat not only to Ukraine, but also to Europe," said von der Leyen.

"Putin's victory will not only change the map, not only destroy the Ukrainian nation, but also change the course of European history. Ukraine carries this heavy burden on its shoulders for all of us. And he pays the highest price for it every day," she added.

The President of the European Commission believes that there is only one language that Putin understands, and that is the language of war, so it is necessary to provide Ukraine with all possible means for self-defense.

"Putin believed that we would not stand up for the defense of Ukraine's democracy and independence. He was wrong. Putin believed that American military support would not pass the US Congress. He was wrong again. Military aid from the United States and our aid from the European Union is an encouragement for all of us to do even more," emphasized the President of the European Commission, whose words were met with applause.

In her turn, the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, said in her speech that over the past two decades, Europe has faced unprecedented challenges, but it has no right to look away from new countries. "From north to south, from east to west, from the Baltic to the Mediterranean, we were united. And now, after a generation, together with the people of Ukraine, the countries of the Western Balkans, Moldova and Georgia, who look at Europe with the same sense of hope and faith," Metsola declared.

Those born precisely on May 1, 2004, in those countries that joined the EU on that day also joined the solemn meeting of the European Parliament. Now they are twenty-year-old youth who asked questions to the politicians of their countries about the future of Europe.

Russia poses a threat, but the entire world continues to trade with it. Why?

Author - Serhii Kolomiets, 25/04/2024