European Union leaders on Friday responded to comments from Russia saying it considered itself to be at war due to the Western intervention in Ukraine. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, meanwhile, said that Russia's comments show that the Kremlin has betrayed Russians by not admitting to the war and spreading disinformation, Reuters reported.
The comments also raised uncertainty about Russia's military goals, he added according to Reuters. European Union Council President Charles Michel said that Russia's comments proved the importance of expanding Europe's defense sector. 'We must tell to our citizens all across the EU that if we want peace, if we want security and stability, it is extremely important to improve our defense capabilities and to build a true European Union in defense,' he said according to Reuters.