The European Union will never allow Russia to destroy Ukraine, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said.
"The Kremlin's goal is the military, political, economic destruction of Ukraine. They want to undermine the existence of Ukraine as a state. We cannot and will never allow this to happen," she said, speaking at a high-level conference on Ukraine's reconstruction in Lugano on Monday.
The European Commission president recalled that since the start of the war, the EU has mobilized about EUR6.2 billion in financial support for Ukraine.
"As you know, more will come and more will come," she assured.
Von der Leyen believes that the principles that will be laid down during the conference in Lugano will be "the first block of principles that will guide our way, will be the basis to rebuild and reconstruct Ukraine."
"Ukrainian youth are giving their lives to make their vision (of Ukraine) a reality. They are fighting for a free and independent Ukraine. They are fighting for respect for international law and our values. We know that their battle is also our battle. And as we work these days to help Ukraine win this war, we must also ensure that Ukraine wins the world. And it will for sure. Glory to Ukraine," the president of the European Commission concluded her speech with these words.
