Ukraine-Russia war live – Nuclear threat soars as Chernobyl shelling resumes; plus Putin makes Boris Johnson enemy

‘EU needs to do away with Russian fossil fuels’

US President Joe Biden and European Fee President Ursula von der Leyen this morning signed a deal the place the US and EU have agreed on a “joint recreation plan” in the direction of a safe, clear vitality future.

EU Fee President Ursula von der Leyen stated the US president’s presence in Brussels this week “sends a really highly effective message to the world”.

She stated: “The transatlantic partnership stands stronger and extra united than ever, and we’re decided to face up towards Russia’s brutal struggle.

“This struggle might be a strategic failure for Putin. Our cooperation on the 4 successive waves of sanctions towards Russia has been extraordinary and distinctive. The sanctions at the moment are working their approach deep into the Russian system. Draining Putin’s sources to finance this atrocious struggle.”

Ursula von der Leyen added: “Our work on sanctions additionally exhibits that once we act collectively, we’re stronger and we actually could make a distinction.”

On the EU’s new gasoline take care of the US, Ms von der Leyen thanked the American individuals for his or her “unwavering assist”.

“This assist additionally extends to strengthening Europe’s vitality safety and independence from Russian fossil fuels. As you already know, we goal to scale back this dependency on Russian fossil fuels and to do away with it.

“And this will solely be achieved by means of, in fact, to begin with, funding in renewable, but in addition by means of extra gasoline provides, together with LNG deliveries.”