Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, arrived in Ukraine for a visit that aligned with Europe Day. During the stop she planned to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as part of an ongoing moment in which European unity is visibly demonstrated. The trip underscored the close cooperation between Kyiv and Brussels on security, defence, and economic support and highlighted the shared commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and reform agenda.
In a published note on social media, von der Leyen confirmed the arrival in Kiev by train with the message that it is good to be back and that the values cherished by Europe are defended daily in Ukraine. The post also stressed the daily effort to protect these shared values, suggesting that Kiev is a fitting place to celebrate Europe Day and to reaffirm the partnership between Ukraine and the European Union.
Back in Kiev, the message of renewal and solidarity resonated. The European leader welcomed the decision to mark Europe Day in Ukraine, emphasising that the day is symbolic of unity and shared purpose. The official communications made clear that Kyiv remains a central partner in Europe’s political and security framework as the two sides advance common objectives.
The visit was described by von der Leyen in conversations with European Newsroom as symbolic because it coincides with Europe Day and signals the EU’s ongoing engagement with Ukraine. The discussions centered on practical support including the delivery of ammunition and financial assistance, while also stressing the need for accountability for Russia following its aggression. These talks are part of a broader EU effort to prepare the ground for possible future EU accession discussions should conditions in Ukraine continue to improve and align with EU standards.
This visit marks the fifth trip by the European president to Ukraine since the conflict began, a timeline that has unfolded alongside the EU’s evolving sanctions package against Russia. The current package concentrates on strict enforcement of measures and steps to prevent evasion, reflecting a shared determination to close enforcement gaps and maintain pressure on Moscow while supporting Ukraine. The overarching aim is to sustain Ukraine’s resilience and to keep the door open for deeper EU integration in the long term.
Brussels has publicly thanked Ukraine for choosing to observe Europe Day as a national occasion, a gesture that reinforces the symbolic nature of the talks and the ongoing alignment of Ukrainian policy with European norms. The discussions carried the weight of the Schuman Declaration, first proposed after World War II as a blueprint for political cooperation in Europe. That founding idea continues to be cited as the seed of today’s European Union, a framework that both Kyiv and Brussels are working within as they address security, governance, and economic reform. The visit thus served both as a practical review of ongoing support and as a broader statement about shared European futures.