The head of the EU’s executive commission warned Russia of imposing additional sanctions if Moscow decides to invade Ukraine.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that the EU can adopt “unprecedented measures.”
The measures will have serious consequences for Russia, she added.
The statements came on the eve of an EU summit on the issue.
Germany’s new Chancellor Olaf Scholz reinforced von der Leyen’s message. He said “any violation of territorial integrity will have its price – a high price – and we will speak with one voice on this together with our European partners and our transatlantic allies.”
This came during his speech at the lower house of the German Parliament.
UK Boris Johnson said if Russia were “so rash and mad” as to invade Ukraine, it would face tough sanctions.
NATO foreign ministers have earlier called on Russia to de-escalate, warning they stand in solidarity with Ukraine.
This came as tensions between Russia and the US have further soured a day before top officials from both countries are set to meet, with Moscow moving to expel US diplomats.
The EU-Russian relations have witnessed a setback over several issues, mainly Kremlin orchestrated cyber-attacks and election interference, the frozen conflict in eastern Ukraine, and the poisoning and jailing of opposition politician Alexei Navalny.
Since the annexation of Crimea in 2014, the EU has imposed a set of tight sanctions on Russia.
Russia’s Putin responded positively to the suggestion and expressed willingness to participate in the planned summit.
