Our goal is to get Putin “withdrawn” from Ukraine. The EU High Representative for foreign policy, Josep Borrell, explains to Repubblica that Europe cannot stop aid in Kiev. Indeed, the flow of weapons “will increase” but without becoming “co-belligerent”. Even if, on the new sanctions concerning oil and gas, there is still no agreement.
“They’ve lost at the moment,” says Borrell. But Europe continues to support «one side without becoming belligerent. It is a delicate balance. I understand the words of President Michel ”, who said he wanted Ukraine to win. “Our military effort will continue and increase. The flow of weapons continues and will continue. President Michel speaks on behalf of the Union, his words commit the EU ».
“We have decided to use our budget to finance weapons. Now everyone is providing them. I spoke to the German defense minister and he assured me that they are supplying the weapons as quickly as possible, ”he continues.
“All wars have ended in negotiation or surrender. But surrender must also be negotiated, ”he explains. “Our goal is to prevent Moscow from taking control of the country, occupying the capital, changing the government, imposing her dominion. We aim to push the aggressor to the borders. We just want the Ukrainians to be able to defend themselves. And we would like to go to the negotiating table. But what Putin said to the Austrian Chancellor is very clear: he does not want to stop the war. So let’s help Ukraine. What else can we do? ».
“I don’t know what Putin’s purpose is,” he admits. “But when some good people, with big hearts, tell me that Ukraine shouldn’t be given arms because it will make the war longer, I answer: Okay, then what? Don’t you care how the war stops? Either this question is answered or it is pure rhetoric ».
Borrell says bluntly that «Putin does not want negotiations … On Sunday I called a meeting of the military leaders. But if they tell me that the negotiating table is open, I’m ready tomorrow too. To make peace, however, it takes two. Like the Tango ».
As for the new sanctions on oil and gas, “a precise date cannot be said,” he explains. “The decision rests with governments. The Commission does not have the capacity to make proposals. There is currently no agreement. Germany will cancel all oil purchases from Russia by the end of this year. But it’s her choice. ” While «gas is something else. It is not only used to produce heat. It is used to produce plastic. Many industrial sectors stop without gas. I can tell you, however, that the quantity of liquid gas is becoming greater than that of the Russian gas pipelines ».
The sanctions “will be back on the table in the next few days but some states have said that they will veto any type of collective decision. There is no unanimity. Also to put a ceiling on the price or a tax ».
But how can this knot be cut after in Bucha? “Some states have made it clear that they will never support a ban or a tax. Like it or not, this is the situation. Other countries, such as Germany and Italy, are voluntarily replacing Russian gas. Would an embargo or a tax be better? Yes, but, in fact, there is no unanimity », he replies.
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