EU warns Russia: ‘Aggression comes with a price tag’
(BRUSSELS Reuters) The European Union warned Russia on Friday that it would face consequences if it invaded Ukraine, as Germany’s new chancellor called for talks to resolve tensions after Moscow amassed troops on the border with its southwestern neighbour.
“Aggression needs to come with a price tag, which is why we will communicate these points ahead of time to Russia,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told a joint news conference with Olaf Scholz.
Ukraine accuses Russia of preparing for a possible large-scale military offensive. The Kremlin denies planning any attack.
Von der Leyen said the EU would not discuss publicly any “sanctions and other measures across economic and financial sectors” that the 27-nation bloc would take with its partners against Moscow in the case of an invasion.
“We want a good relationship with Russia, but it depends first and foremost on the way in which Russia behaves. Russia is taking a threatening stance towards its neighbours and that undermines Europe’s security,” she said.
Asked if sanctions could include shutting the Nord Stream 2 pipeline that will carry gas to Europe, she said that, in general, energy should never be used to exert pressure and the energy security of Europe and its neighbours should be secured.
Scholz declined to answer the question on the Russian-German pipeline, saying that while it was clear that the EU and others would react if there was an invasion of Ukraine, and talks to prevent such an outcome were also important.