Europe Asia News

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen commented on developments in Ukraine and the support to be provided by the European Union following her conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Stating that she fully supported Zelensky's call for a ceasefire to protect global food supplies and energy infrastructure, von der Leyen said, "The war has entered a darker phase."

Von der Leyen argued that Russia, unable to make progress on the front lines, was targeting civilians far behind the front lines. She expressed solidarity with the Ukrainian people and support for Zelensky's struggle for his people's freedom.

Von der Leyen stated that Ukraine would be among the priority agenda items at this week's European Council meeting, where Ukraine's financing needs for next year and ways to mobilize new international support would be discussed.

Von der Leyen said the European Union would provide additional funding for drones and missiles this week to strengthen Ukraine's defenses and protect its airspace.

She also stated that two additional clusters of negotiating chapters were planned to be opened in Ukraine's EU accession negotiations, highlighting the importance of Ukraine's integration process with the European Union.