EU Commission chief slams Putin for war in Ukraine

'We are living through bleak times, Putin's ruthless war still rages in Ukraine,' says Ursula von der Leyen

The head of the European Commission on Thursday condemned President Vladimir Putin for Russia's "ruthless war" in Ukraine.

"We are living through bleak times, Putin's ruthless war still rages in Ukraine," Ursula von der Leyen said in a joint press conference following a meeting with Sweden's Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson in Stockholm.

The EU stands "very firmly with the brave people" of Ukraine, von der Leyen said, noting that the bloc "is now catering for 4 million refugees who had to leave their homes behind."

Additionally, she said the EU supports Ukraine financially and with arms. "The Ukrainian people deserve our solidarity," added the official.

For her part, Andersson said Russia's war on Ukraine increased the importance of renewable energy sources and non-dependence on Russian oil and gas.