New Delhi: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Monday said Russia's aggression in Ukraine was a direct threat to Europe's security. Speaking at the Raisina Dialogue, Leyen said the images of Russia's attack on Ukraine had shocked the whole world, PTI reported.
"In Europe, we see Russia's aggression as a direct threat to our security. We'll make sure that unprovoked-unjustified aggression against Ukraine will be a strategic failure. Doing all we can to help Ukraine fight for its freedom. We imposed effective sanctions," Ursula von der Leyen said.
"Two weeks ago, I visited Bucha-the suburb of Kyiv which was devastated by Russian troops as they withdrew from the north of Ukraine," she said at Raisina Dialogue 2022.
Detailing the horrific images coming out of war-torn Ukraine, Ursula said, "I saw bodies lined up on the ground, saw mass graves. I listened to survivors of atrocious crimes Kremlin soldiers committed. These are severe violations of international law targetting & killing innocent civilians, redrawing borders by force, subjugating will of free people."
Noting that the ongoing Ukraine war will have an impact on the Indo-Pacific region, Ursula said, "Countries battered by two years of Covid pandemic must deal now with rising prices for grain, energy, and fertilisers as a direct result of Putin's war of choice."
"Outcome of the war won't only determine the future of Europe but also deeply affect Indo-Pacific region and the rest of the world. For the Indo-Pacific region, it is as important as for Europe that borders are respected and the spheres of influence are rejected," she said.
In the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Ursula von der Leyen said the world's response to Russia's aggression would decide the future of both the international system and the global economy.
The European Commission president also referred to the "no-limits" friendship between Russia and China. "Russia and China have forged a seemingly unrestrained pact. They have declared that the friendship between them has no limits," she said.
Highlighting the relationship between India and the EU, Ursula said, "We share the same interests in safe trading routes, seamless supply chains, and in free & open Indo-Pacific."
"For the European Union's strengthening and energising, its partnership with India is a priority in this upcoming decade. Both our economies thrive in a world of common rules and fair competition," the EU chief said.
Raisina Dialogue 2022
The theme of this year's Raisina Dialogue is "Terranova- Impassioned, Impatient, Imperilled", which is modelled along six thematic pillars --Rethinking Democracy: trade, technology and ideology; End of Multilateralism: a networked global order; Water Caucuses: turbulent tides in the Indo-Pacific; Communities Inc: first responders to health, development, and planet; Achieving Green Transitions: common imperative, diverging realities; Samson vs Goliath: the persistent and relentless technology wars.
"Raisina Dialogue 2022 will have around 100 sessions with over 210 speakers from 90 countries. There will be side events that will be hosted in Berlin and Washington. Raisina's young fellows programme will also be conducted on the sidelines of this main conference," MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said.
The Raisina Dialogue is India's most important foreign policy meeting. It derives its name from the Raisina Hills, where India's seat of power is located and is organised following the lines of the Shangri-La Dialogue, which was held in Singapore. It is co-hosted by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Observer Research Foundation.
Since its beginning, the Dialogue has drawn academics, scientists, researchers, students, journalists, and even politicians who are interested in or engaged in international relations, geopolitics, security, nuclear concerns, and Indian foreign policy.
(With Inputs From Agencies)