Von der Leyen in Kyiv: “At your side for as long as necessary”

For the third time since the beginning of the war, von der Leyen is in Kyiv. She promised support for the country under attack, she praised the reforms of the accession candidate – and received a medal in gratitude.

During a visit to Kyiv, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen assured Ukraine of the full support of the European Union. “We can never compensate for the sacrifices made by the Ukrainians,” she said at a press conference with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. “But what we can say is you will have your European friends by your side for as long as it takes.”

Von der Leyen praised Ukraine’s efforts to achieve EU membership. The accession process is on the right track: “It is impressive to see the speed, determination and precision with which you are making progress.”

Zelenskyi said Ukraine wants to join the EU’s internal market, which allows free movement of goods, services and capital, before accession. Access to it is a very important issue for Ukraine: “It will be one of the most important victories of our country.”

Candidate for membership since June

In June, the EU officially admitted Ukraine to the list of candidate countries. However, further negotiations can only begin once the country has implemented comprehensive reforms, for example in the judiciary and in the fight against corruption.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said in Brussels last week that his country wants to meet the EU’s requirements for accession negotiations by the end of the year.

“Impressive bravery of the armed forces”

Von der Leyen also praised Ukraine’s recent military successes. Progress still needs to be consolidated: “But it’s still impressive to see the bravery of the Ukrainian armed forces.” The success lifted spirits – not only among the Ukrainian people, but also among their friends.

Regarding arms deliveries to Ukraine, von der Leyen said that all EU countries were taking the same approach: it was necessary to support the country with the military equipment it needed to defend itself. Ukraine has shown that it can do this if it is well equipped.

Awarded medals

On her third visit to Kyiv since the start of Russia’s war against the country, Zelenskyi awarded the German politician the Order of Yaroslav the Wise. “It’s a great honor,” von der Leyen wrote on Twitter. This is the second highest order that foreign citizens can receive for special services to Ukraine.

Selenskyj also dedicated von der Leyen a floor slab on the “Avenue of Courage” in front of the parliament building in Kyiv. These are given to politicians who traveled to the capital after the war began. Prior to von der Leyen, Polish President Andrzej Duda and British ex-Prime Minister Boris Johnson received such an honor.