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Added on the 19/08/2022 13:42:51 - Copyright : France 24 EN
Sweden joining NATO shows Russian President Vladimir Putin "failed" in his Ukrainian war strategy of weakening the alliance, its chief Jens Stoltenberg says. The Kremlin's invasion not only prompted formerly non-aligned nations Sweden and Finland to come under NATO's defence umbrella, but now "Ukraine is closer to NATO membership than ever before," Stoltenberg adds. SOUNDBITE
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
Images of the Independence Square in Kyiv and a display of seized Russian military equipment in the city as Ukraine marks 6 months of war. IMAGES
Speaking ahead of the NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs meeting, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg warns that Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine could last "for many months, for even years". SOUNDBITE
The next phase of the war in Ukraine could last for months after Russian forces pulled away from Kyiv in a shift toward the eastern regions, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan tells reporters. SOUNDBITE
Images of buildings on fire in the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv following Russian airstrikes. IMAGES