The European Union would buy weapons for a country under attack for the first time in its history, according to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
She also stated that Russian-owned, registered, or operated aircraft would be barred from EU airspace, specifically stating that the prohibition would extend to “oligarchs’ private jets.”
Furthermore, von der Leyen stated that the EU would take steps to restrict “the Kremlin’s media machine in the EU” by prohibiting state-owned Russia Today, Sputnik, and their subsidiaries from operating in the EU.
“We’re working on methods to make it illegal for them to spread toxic and destructive information in Europe,” she said.
The measure is aimed at “cutting off the tap for Russia’s disinformation in Europe,” according to EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell.
In addition to the sanctions on Russia, von der Leyen said the EU agreed to target Russia’s ally Belarus, whom she referred to as “the other aggressor in this fight.”
Von der Leyen stated in a message to the tens of thousands of people fleeing Ukraine that they would be welcomed with “open arms.”
Ukraine agrees to meet with Belarusians at the border
Ukraine has stated that it is open to negotiating with Moscow and has deployed representatives to the Belarusian border. According to President Putin, Russia has activated its nuclear deterrence capabilities.
Anti-war protesters came to the streets across Russia to condemn the country’s invasion of Ukraine and the terrible conflict there, which is now in its fourth day.
On Sunday, the protests were smaller than previous ones, which saw hundreds of people imprisoned by riot police.
According to OVD-Info, a group that tracks participation in opposition marches, police detained over 1,700 individuals at anti-war protests in 46 Russian towns on Sunday. Since the battle began four days ago, around 5,500 people have been jailed at protests, according to the group.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine said he is willing to “attempt” talks with Russia, but is “skeptical” that they will result in a ceasefire.
In a video statement, Zelenskyy stated, “I will be honest, as always: I do not believe in the outcome of this meeting, but let them try.”
He said that if there was a “chance” to stop the war, he should participate in the discussions.
Source: DW News