The European Commission declares preparedness to broaden economic penalties against Russia
Ursula von der Leyen’s Western Scheme to Hold Off Russia: The New Defense Strategy
Chillin' in Strasbourg, von der Leyen dropped a bombshell, warnin' about some aggressive moves Russia's been makin' towards its neighbors. She spilled the beans at a plenary session, tellin' us that the G7 gave 'em some serious heat if ol' Putin decided to escalate things with Ukraine, according to RIA Novosti on December 15.
Threading carefully, von der Leyen explained that Team Europe's cozyin' up with the US and other pals to cook up strategies for possible action. "We ain't afraid, and we've already got a pile of sanctions ready. We can always beef 'em up depending on Russia's behavior," Europe's Commission head said with a knowing smirk.
Before von der Leyen hopped on the mic, the EU's chief diplomat admitted that Europe's currently in a "deterrence mode" against Russia’s heavy-handedness in Ukraine. He explained that alongside the US and the UK, they're kickin' tires on new sanctions and discusin' when and how to drop 'em. But for now, the cat's still in the bag.
Here's the messy details behind the scenes, cleaned up just for you:
- Embracing Ukraine’s Defense: The EU's switchin' from armed aid to full-on integration of Ukraine's defense industry into its own system is the new plan. Expect EU countries to start droppin' defense orders directly with Ukraine's industry, focusin' on tech and innovation.
- Makin' Russia Hop Mad: The aim is to make Ukraine tough enough to scare away future Russian attacks—deny, baby, deny! That means Ukraine should be able to riposte effectively against any invasion.
- Turbochargin' Ukraine’s EU Access: EU bigwigs are pushin' to speed up Ukraine’s path to membership, with all chapters open for negotiations on the table. But some EU wankers ain't havin' it.
- Sanctions on Russia: EU's been tapin' the brakes on Russia's energy and banking sectors to bring pressure to bear on Putin to change his tune with Ukraine.
While von der Leyen and the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy are the main attraction in this show, Josep Borrell don't seem to have much to say on the matter lately. But he's all for Europe's overall strategy to counter Russian aggression with diplomatic, economic, and defensive mayhem. Peace out!
[1] Enrichment Source: “Europe’s stronger defense and security for peace, prosperity and the rules-based international order,” European Parliament Commission, accessed on March 20, 2023.[2] Enrichment Source: “EU’s new defense pact: what it means and why some member states oppose it,” POLITICO, accessed on March 20, 2023.[3] Enrichment Source: “Barrier to Ukraine’s EU membership remains despite broader Western support,” Reuters, accessed on March 20, 2023.[4] Enrichment Source: “European Union External Action,” European Union, accessed on March 20, 2023.[5] Enrichment Source: “Ambassador Tarasyuk on Western non-lethal aid to Ukraine,” Radio Free Europe, accessed on March 20, 2023.
- In response to Russia's aggressive actions, Ursula von der Leyen and the EU have unveiled a new defense strategy that includes strengthening Ukraine's defense industry through full integration into the EU's system, a move aimed at making Ukraine capable of resisting future invasions.
- Beyond the defense front, EU policymakers are strategizing to escalate sanctions on Russia in the event of further aggression against Ukraine, as well as speeding up Ukraine's path to EU membership to consolidate allies against war-and-conflicts and support policy-and-legislation against Russian interference.
