European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen declared that Russian President Vladimir Putin remains a predator who has waged four wars over the past 25 years—in Chechnya, Georgia, Crimea, and now through a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. She made the remarks at a joint press conference with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
“Experience has shown us that Putin can only be contained by strong means of deterrence,” von der Leyen emphasized. “That is why we must act in a coordinated, precise, and swift manner to strengthen our defense posture within the European Union, particularly along the front lines.”
She announced that in the coming weeks, the European Commission will present a roadmap outlining how additional defense funds will be invested to reinforce Europe’s security and resilience.
