European Commission president vows “harshest ever sanctions” against Russia in response to “barbaric attack”

European Union Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has on Thursday promised to “weaken Russia’s economic base and its capacity to modernise” following the “barbaric attack” by Moscow against Ukraine started this morning.

“We will freeze Russian assets in the European Union and stop the access of Russian banks to European financial markets,” Von der Leyen told reporters.

“We condemn this barbaric attack and the cynical arguments that are being used to justify it.” she added.

The EU leader said she will present “massive and strategic” sanctions against Russia for approval later the day.

“These sanctions are designed to take a heavy toll on the Kremlin’s interests and their ability to finance war. And we know that millions of Russians do not want war,” Von der Leyen explained.

“We will not allow President [Vladimir] Putin to replace the rule of law, by the rule of force, and ruthlessness,” she added, “Ukraine will prevail.”