The European Union Prepares New Sanctions For Russia, Von Der Leyen: We Work Hard To Prepare Russia

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. (Wikimedia Commons/European Parliament)

JAKARTA - The European Union is preparing a package of ninth sanctions against Russia in response to Moscow's attack on Ukraine, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said during a visit to Finland on Thursday.

"We are working hard to hit Russia, where it hurts to further build up its ability to wage war in Ukraine and I can announce today that we are working at full speed on the ninth sanctions package," von der Leyen said at a news conference. November 24.

"And I am sure, we will soon agree to Russia's global oil price limit with the G7 and other key partners. We will not stop until Ukraine wins over Putin and his unlawful and barbaric war," said von der Leyen.

Von der Leyen did not provide details on what steps could be included in the new chapter of EU sanctions.

The European Union last month gave final approval for the eighth sanctions for the invasion, including more restrictions on the trade in steel and technology products.

At a joint press conference with the Prime Ministers of Finland and Estonia, as well as the Deputy Prime Minister of Sweden, von der Leyen said Russia's attacks on Ukrainian civil infrastructure such as electricity supply were war crimes.

"I also know our Ukrainian friends will overcome this strategy, because they are strong and their goals are fair and we, the EU, stand here with them in these difficult times for as long as needed," he explained.

The European Parliament on Wednesday appointed Russia as a sponsoring state of terrorism, citing its military attacks on Ukrainian civilian targets such as energy infrastructure, hospitals, schools, and shelters in violation of international law.

Russia denies deliberately targeting civilians in Ukraine, but recognizes a campaign of attacks on electricity and other infrastructure, which Moscow says is aimed at reducing Kyiv's ability to go to war and encouraging it to negotiate.