Europe is hitting Putin’s war economy with unprecedented sanctions. The EU sanctions list today comprises more individuals and companies than ever before – a total of more than 1600. Almost all of these are directly or indirectly significant in helping Russia wage its war.

We are thereby making it difficult for Putin to continue his illegal invasion and war – including his cynical attempts to wear down and sow terror among the Ukrainian civilian population with a deadly bombing campaign. Because Putin is placing all of his bets on escalation: Ukraine’s civilian population, including a significant number of children, has just suffered through one of the deadliest weeks of the year.

By placing drone producers on the sanctions list, we are responding to Russia’s increasing use of hybrid attacks on EU Member States. The attempted drone strike on Leipzig/Halle Airport was proof of the direct threat Germany faces in this respect. That is why the German Government worked particularly hard to include additional sanctions in this domain.

We will intensify the pressure until Putin is prepared to seriously negotiate on peace in Ukraine. The message is clear: Russia cannot and will not win this war.