ATHENS

The European Commission head on Wednesday said that “it is time to start a conversation” about using frozen Russian assets to purchase military equipment for Ukraine.

Speaking at the European Parliament’s plenary debate on European security and defense, Ursula von der Leyen said that Europe should urgently start working on the future of its security architecture in the face of threats such as the “aggressive economic competition” and the ongoing war in Ukraine.

“The continuing war in Gaza and the large-scale destabilisation in the Middle East point to an era of insecurity and conflict in the region and beyond,” von der Leyen added.

About the EU’s support to Ukraine in its war with Russia, she said: “Well, over the last two years, Europe has shown and proven that it will support Ukraine for as long as it takes. And we have also shown and proven that a more sovereign Europe is not just wishful thinking and at this point, let me be very clear,” von der Leyen said.

She said that Russia cannot be allowed to win the war in Ukraine and hence Ukraine should be supported “as long as it takes.”

The union should also step up efforts to boost its arms production, both for itself and Ukraine, the European Commission chief said.

“The threat of war may not be imminent, but it is not impossible,” she added.

“With or without the support of our partners, we cannot let Russia win. And the cost of insecurity – the cost of a Russian victory – is far greater than any saving we could make now. This is why it is time for Europe to step up,” she concluded.