The President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen has vowed  support for Ukraine in its fight against Russia in a New Year call with Ukrainian president Voloidymyr Zelenskyy. 

“In the first call of the new year with President Zelenskyy, I conveyed my wholehearted support and best wishes for 2023 to the Ukrainian people. The EU stands by you, for as long as it takes. We support your heroic struggle. A fight for freedom and against brutal aggression”, the official tweeted. 

She said the bloc would support Ukraine with generators, lamps, shelters and school buses during this winter, while financial support would also continue.

In addition, the EU will soon start disbursing an 18 billion euro support package in monthly tranches.

Von der Leyen has already visited Ukraine three times since the outbreak of hostilities in late February.