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Added on the 18/02/2022 21:15:34 - Copyright : AFPTV - First images
Speaking at a press conference alongside the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell, European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, reveals a new round of sanctions against Moscow over its latest "escalation" in Ukraine. The new sanctions include a cap on the price of Russian oil and a ban on exports from the country worth seven billion euros ($7 billion). The announcement comes as the Kremlin-installed leaders of Russian-held regions in Ukraine have been claiming victory in what Von der Leyen describes as "sham" referendums on joining the Russian Federation. SOUNDBITE
The United States is "ready" for fallout if Russia decides to "weaponize" its massive energy reserves in response to Western sanctions, US deputy national security advisor for international economics Daleep Singh says at the White House. SOUNDBITE
U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken says sanctions on Russia will be increased unless there is "the restoration of Ukraine's international border". Rough Cut (no reporter narration).
"It is certainly possible that Russia could make additional tactical gains in the coming weeks" against Ukraine, US national security advisor Jake Sullivan says during a White House news briefing. SOUNDBITE
A senior UN official condemns Russia for its "appalling assaults" on Ukraine which saw some 158 missiles launched, killing at least 30 people according to Kyiv. "Regrettably, today's appalling assaults were only the latest in a series of escalating attacks by the Russian Federation," says UN assistant secretary-general Mohamed Khiari. SOUNDBITE