"I want the people of the Western Balkans, of Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia to know: You are part of our family, your future is in our Union, and our Union is not complete without you!", the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said on Wednesday during an annual address to the European Parliament. 

She also said that the EU would maintain sanctions against Russia “because now is the time for decisive action, not concessions”. 

According to Von der Leyen, Russian President Vladimir Putin started a war not only against Ukraine, but also started an energy and economic war against Europe. 

The EUI official said that the bloc would  strengthen its support for Ukraine, “ Putin will be defeated and Ukraine will win”.

Ursula von der Leyen informed the European Parliament that she is leaving for Kyiv later on Wednesday.