Kisses on the left, kisses on the right on Bastille Day in France, then they travel to Kiev – Volodymyr Zelenskyj, President of Ukraine (l.) and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the EU Commission (r.).Image: keystone
July 15, 2026, 9:12 amJuly 15, 2026, 9:12 am
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is visiting Ukraine for the eleventh time since the start of the war. «I will announce new initiatives to integrate our defense industries. So we can produce more and faster,” she announced on X after her arrival in the capital Kiev.
It is a special moment: “Ukraine has built up strong military momentum. The tide is turning.” During the visit they will also discuss joining the EU and preparations for the coming winter.
The EU is pushing ahead with accession negotiations with Ukraine. However, the talks in Ukraine are not expected to be concluded before the next decade.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will also award von der Leyen a new medal “that recognizes outstanding personal achievements in supporting Ukraine in defending its independence and the security of all of Europe,” wrote her spokeswoman at X. (nil/sda/dpa)