Von der Leyen arrives in Kyiv for Ukraine’s Statehood Day as European leaders gather

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has arrived in Kyiv ahead of Ukraine’s Statehood Day celebrations, joining other European leaders in a show of support for the country.

Von der Leyen said the visit was her 11th to the Ukrainian capital since Russia launched its full-scale invasion.

“This is a special moment. Ukraine has gained strong military momentum. The situation is changing for the better,” she said.

Von der Leyen is expected to announce new initiatives aimed at integrating the defence industries of Ukraine and the European Union, which she said would help increase and accelerate defence production.

She added that discussions would also cover Ukraine’s EU accession process and preparations for the coming winter.

Romanian President Nicușor Dan, Moldovan President Maia Sandu and Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić have also arrived in Kyiv.

The full list of European leaders expected to attend the Statehood Day events has not yet been made public.