EU officials are reacting to renewed threats from the Russian Foreign Ministry, emphasizing their continued backing of Ukraine. According to EU spokesperson Peter Wigand, such threats are not new and indicate that “the Kremlin is losing its war and its composure.”
Wigand highlighted that Russia aims to intimidate European nations to diminish their support for Ukraine; however, he assured that this will not happen. Europe remains committed to supporting Ukraine, exposing reckless and dangerous actions, and intensifying pressure on the aggressor.
The EU is currently preparing its largest sanctions package against Russia in history, having already implemented restrictions linked to the deportation of Ukrainian children this week.
Wigand referenced a statement from EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, indicating that while Russia may be willing to take greater risks, the EU is also escalating its actions to impose higher costs on the Kremlin.
This commentary comes in the wake of Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova’s claims that Russian armed forces will “continue to deliver massive retaliatory strikes” on Ukraine and warned that diplomats and foreign nationals ignoring Russia’s warnings are “knowingly putting their lives in deadly danger.”
Context
- On September 29, The Economist reported that Russia is initiating a tripartite campaign of bombings, sabotage, and political chaos aimed at Kyiv. A source mentioned that President Putin has become increasingly erratic, ordering attacks on all civilian targets to instill fear among the population.
- On October 2, The New York Times revealed that Ukrainian intelligence received a Russian plan for the most powerful strike against Ukraine in the war’s history, involving up to 1,000 missiles, drones, and bombs. The aim is to leave major Ukrainian cities without electricity, heating, or water, potentially leading to a humanitarian crisis this winter.
