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European Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius said Ukraine’s successful long-range strikes on targets inside Russia have become not only a defensive tool but also a source of strategic pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin.
In an exclusive interview with FREEДОМ, Kubilius said Ukraine’s growing military effectiveness is changing both the battlefield and broader perceptions of the war.
“Pressure on Putin comes from Ukraine’s strength on the front line and from its deep strikes. When Ukraine begins to gain the upper hand on those fronts, it makes an enormous difference—not only inside Russia but also in how developments are perceived here in Europe. That is why we must continue supporting Ukraine and look for ways to strengthen that support so Ukraine can continue gaining the upper hand,” he said.
Kubilius added that successful Ukrainian strikes deep inside Russian territory are beginning to influence public perceptions of the war in Russia.
“Ukraine’s long-range strikes have become not only a defensive instrument but also a factor of strategic pressure on Putin. At least from what we can see and understand, perceptions of the war inside Russia are beginning to change because of Ukraine’s highly successful strikes deep into Russian territory. We hope this will eventually convince Putin that he needs to come to the negotiating table to achieve a just peace for Ukraine and end this war,” he said.
The European commissioner also stressed that the European Union would continue tightening sanctions against Russia and seek additional ways to limit Moscow’s ability to finance its war effort.
“Of course, we will continue imposing sanctions on Russia, including restrictions on oil and gas trade, and we are looking for ways to further limit Russia’s ability to finance its military aggression. This remains one of our key priorities,” Kubilius said.
Read also: Merz: Russia Is Beginning to Realize It Will Not Win the War
