The Kremlin's statements about its desire for peace with Ukraine directly contradict its actions, so we should expect an escalation of Russian aggression against Ukraine before the presidential elections in Russia scheduled for spring. This was stated by EU spokesperson Peter Stano at a briefing.

"Putin's decisions and actions clearly show that he intends to continue his criminal aggression against Ukraine. So far, there have been no real signs of peace efforts from the Russian side. So Putin does not want peace. During his presidential campaign for this spring's elections, the results of which I think we already know, he will intensify his aggressive actions against Ukraine. He demonstrated this during the Christmas and New Year holidays, as well as during the current escalation, using weapons, missiles, drones, hitting more and more infrastructure and other civilian targets," the EU spokesperson emphasized.


The EU spokesperson emphasized that Russia's actions, including the use of weapons, missiles and drones targeting civilian objects, indicate an increase in aggressive actions against Ukraine.


Stano expressed his belief that during the election campaign in Russia, Putin will continue these aggressive actions, which were already seen during the Christmas and New Year holidays.


Regarding the efforts of the international community, Stano emphasized the importance of the meeting of security advisors on the Ukrainian Peace Formula in Davos, which again draws the world's attention to Russia's criminal war and its violations of international law.


Stano noted that although the EU supports any peace initiatives, Russia's actual actions do not show a desire to achieve peace. Ukraine, which has been the victim of aggression, remains a key participant in determining the conditions, parameters and terms of any peace efforts.


"...We consider the Ukrainian peace formula to be the most reliable and realistic basis for any peaceful settlement. Of course, in the end, the war and the conflict will be ended at the negotiating table, not on the battlefield. But the European Union's position is clear: Ukraine must win this war. Because Ukraine uses its legal right to self-defense. Putin has said that he wants to wipe Ukraine off the map, to end the existence of the Ukrainian nation. This must be put to an end," the EU spokesman said.