At a high-profile conference in Berlin, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the contrast between Russia's aggression and Ukraine's resilience, calling for continued and strong support for Ukraine in its struggle against Russian invasion.

"Russia is fighting for the past, and Ukraine is fighting for a better future," von der Leyen declared. "Russia is destroying, and Ukraine is defending itself."

Highlighting the city of Kharkiv as a symbol of Ukrainian perseverance, she recounted how the residents expelled Russian forces two years ago and have since worked tirelessly to rebuild their city. Kharkiv has reopened cultural centers, devised plans for a greener urban environment, and is aspiring to become a hub for both traditional industries and innovative start-ups. However, the city once again faces devastation as Russian bombs continue to fall, she said. 

Von der Leyen stressed the urgent need for international assistance to ensure Ukraine's survival and success. "Putin must lose, and Ukraine must win. We must help Ukraine to rise from the ashes," she asserted. She called for increased military support, emphasizing that Ukraine requires weapons for self-defense.

She also touched on financial measures, confirming that the European Union is transferring approximately $1.5 billion in frozen Russian assets to Ukraine, with 90% allocated for defense and 10% for reconstruction. This move aligns with international law and aims to bolster Ukraine's capacity to rebuild and defend itself, the official noted. 

Looking ahead, von der Leyen mentioned that the allocation of resources to Ukraine will be a key topic at the upcoming G7 summit scheduled for the end of this week.