EU plans ‘harshest’ sanctions package ever against Russia

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen speaks during a press statement on Ukraine (Kenzo Tribouillard, Pool Photo via AP)

The European Union is planning the “strongest, the harshest package” of sanctions it has ever considered at an emergency summit on Thursday as the Russian military attacked Ukraine and world leaders reacted with outrage at Moscow’s actions.

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said that “the target is the stability in Europe and the whole of the international peace order, and we will hold President (Vladimir) Putin accountable for that”.