Von der Leyen, gas prices now lowest since the start of the war in Ukraine

BRUSSELS - "

has exploited our energy dependence, it has tried to blackmail us but has failed:

but we have been able to compensate without blackouts".

This was stated by the president of the European Commission,

, at a press conference in Kiruna with the Swedish premier, Ulf Kristersson.

"Among the various measures we have introduced the gas price cap and increased the permits for renewables: this hard work has paid off and

"The EU will support the Ukrainians in the way they request and for as long as necessary. Swedish leadership will be vital to preserve EU unity and to keep the pressure on Russia up.

Ursula von der Leyen announced.

"We are also preparing for the reconstruction of the country. Today it is important to combine the reconstruction process with that of reforms and investments," she added.

"The EU accession process is a 'step by step' process. Ukraine has impressive ambition and speed.

To support that process, the College of Commissioners will visit the country in early February, we will have a meeting between the college and the government. We are already working on about 18-20 points" and the visit will be a way "to deepen and intensify the various topics that are on our agenda".

Von der Leyen explained, focusing on the EU accession process in Kiev.

"It is important for us to progress with quality, speed and ambition together with the Ukrainian government

, so that the enlargement report reflects that. And this of course then leads to hopeful and positive decisions by the Council," he concluded.

"Making sure Europe is safe means keeping aid to Ukraine, sticking together and avoiding divisions:

in our presidency we will continue to support the mission of assistance to Ukraine because the future of Ukraine is the future of Europe".

Swedish premier

said so during a press conference in Kiruna.