Von der Leyen predicted “decades of recession” for Russia

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European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen spoke at the World Economic Forum, held in the Swiss resort town of Davos. Among other things, she noted the cohesion of Europe in support of Ukraine and admitted that EU sanctions would plunge the Russian economy into recession for years to come.

At the beginning of her speech , von der Leyen expressed admiration for the courage of Ukrainians during the Russian military invasion. Back in February, according to her, many predicted the capture of Kyiv "within a few days," but Ukraine resisted the aggressor against all odds.

“Europe will always be with you,” von der Leyen said. She noted that Ukraine has become a candidate country for joining the European Union and that European states are increasing the supply of critical weapons to Kiev (although the transfer of heavy Leopard tanks, which the Ukrainian side has repeatedly requested, is still not agreed, NATO countries are preparing to send the Challenger 2 MBT ). Almost 4 million Ukrainians have been granted asylum.

In response to the invasion, Europe has imposed sanctions unprecedented in history against Russia, which will force the Russian economy into recession for decades, and the industry will be deprived of key and generally modern technologies, von der Leyen said. Russian crimes, she said, will not go unpunished.

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In the final draft of 2022, The Bell spoke about the losses of the main victim of the war - Ukraine, and how Russia and its citizens are paying for this war: isolation from the big world, deprivation of new technologies, brain drain right now, a demographic hole in the future and the potential of an economic growth.