Ursula von der Leyen said the EU “will help Ukraine in its brave efforts” and that would include winter preparations, EU accession and progress on G7 loans. 

EU Chief Ursula von der Leyen arrived in Ukraine’s capital Kyiv on Friday and said she was there to discuss European support, preparations for winter and progress on G7 loans.

“My 8th visit to Kyiv comes as the heating season starts soon, and Russia keeps targeting energy infrastructure,” she wrote on X, formerly Twitter. The post was accompanied with a picture of her at a train station.

“We will help Ukraine in its brave efforts. I come here to discuss Europe’s support. From winter preparedness to defence, to accession and progress on the G7 loans.” 

Von der Leyen is set to discuss assistance for Ukraine’s energy supply with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy later on Friday.

The EU is to provide an additional €160 million ($178 million) to Ukraine to help repair the damaged energy infrastructure, expand
renewable energy, and fund shelters, the EU chief said ahead of her trip.

Continuous Russian attacks have destroyed large parts of Ukraine’s critical infrastructure and have led to rolling blackouts in the eastern parts of the country.

European countries have sent thousands of generators to Ukraine which are harder to hit and are easier to repair.