European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that Europe understands the threat posed by Russia, which is trying to act in every way within the EU and outside to establish its control over the European continent, Ukrinform reports.
"What is happening in Ukraine and what Ukrainian soldiers are fighting for also concerns us... This is a war that is about changing borders in Europe, a European war and the destruction of Ukraine's independence. Let us remember that this is also a war against the EU and the entire international system, which operates on principles," von der Leyen said at the European Economic Congress in Katowice.
She stressed that Putin is seeking the return of empires and authoritarianism.
"He wants to dominate our continent, and this is not some theoretical threat, but an open goal that he has declared," the European Commission President stressed.
Ursula von der Leyen added that Poland knows this threat best, so the EU should listen to Warsaw.
The President of the European Commission also stressed that Europe is currently being flooded with disinformation and manipulation by Russia, which should help weaken support for Ukraine. In recent weeks, there have been many cyberattacks, disinformation, hybrid attacks, and long-term espionage campaigns against EU countries.
"The aim of all these attacks is to divide our societies, to act from within, to attack our borders. That is why solidarity is important. In responding to this threat, I always support the EU, because it is the EU that will be ready to defend our rule of law, protecting Ukraine and Europe," the President of the European Commission stressed.
She assured that Europe would support Ukraine as long as necessary.
The President of the European Commission stressed that if she is re-elected to this position for the next term, she will appoint a European Commissioner for Defence. Its task will be to support and develop the most modern defence industry of the EU countries to protect against external aggression.