Von der Leyen: “The Russian army takes chips from washing machines and refrigerators. Their industry is on the ground”

The European official made these statements in his annual speech on the state of the European Union, held in the plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

Von der Leyen claimed that Russia’s economy “is now on its way to oblivion” and warned that the European Union’s economic sanctions would be maintained.

“The financial sector of Russia is in agony. We have cut off access to international markets for three-quarters of Russia’s banks. Almost a thousand international companies left the country.

Car production fell by three quarters compared to last year. Aeroflot is keeping the planes on the ground because there are no spare parts left. The Russian military is taking chips from dishwashers and refrigerators to repair their military equipment because they are running out of semiconductors. Russian industry is on the ground.

Because of the Kremlin’s actions, Russia’s economy is now on its way to oblivion. This is the price for the trail of death and destruction left behind by Putin’s war. And I want to clarify one fact here – the sanctions will be maintained” – said the president of the European Commission.

The European Union granted over 19 billion euros in aid to Ukraine

In his speech, Von der Leyen also referred to the aid provided to Ukraine so far by the countries of the European bloc. The total amount exceeds 19 billion euros, not including weapons and defense systems.

And – on this occasion – the president of the European Commission also announced an aid of 100 million euros for schools in Ukraine.

“It is time to show determination, not to compromise to de-escalate the situation. Our financial support to Ukraine will not stop either.

To date, Team Europe has provided this country with over €19 billion in financial assistance, not counting our military support. And the commitment we assume is a long-term one.

Massive resources will be needed to rebuild Ukraine. Russian bombing has caused, for example, massive damage or destruction to more than 70 schools. Half a million Ukrainian children started the new school year in the European Union. But there are so many others in Ukraine who simply do not have classrooms in which to learn.

Therefore, I want to announce today that we will work with the First Lady to support the rebuilding of Ukraine’s destroyed schools. This is why we will provide 100 million euros. Because Ukraine’s future begins in its schools. In this regard, we will provide not only funding, but we will also provide Ukraine with the means it needs to make the most of its potential” – said von der Leyen.

“The coming months will not be easy for the Europeans”

On the other hand, Ursula von der Leyen warned on Wednesday, in Strasbourg, that a difficult period will follow for companies and households in Europe, she evoked the economic consequences of the war in Ukraine.

“The moments that await us will not be easy. Whether we’re talking about families struggling to make ends meet, or companies facing difficult choices about their future’‘, said the head of the EU executive, according to Agerpres.

“Let’s be very clear. The stake is high, not only for Ukraine, but also for the whole of Europe and the world in general”she added.

”This is not just a war started by Russia against Ukraine. It is also a war against our values, it is a war against our future”added the EC president.

Inflation in the euro zone reached 9.1% in August, largely fueled by the increase in energy prices by 38.3% compared to the same period last year, which amplified fears of a serious economic recession.

The speech on the state of the EU delivered on Wednesday by Ursula von der Leyen in the EP plenary meeting in Strasbourg is the first since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, on February 24 this year.