Ukraine: Three dead as Russia intensifies attacks on Odesea
Skip next section Von der Leyen visits Kyiv with focus on defense ties 07/15/2026 July 15, 2026 Von der Leyen visits Kyiv with focus on
Skip next section Von der Leyen visits Kyiv with focus on defense ties 07/15/2026 July 15, 2026 Von der Leyen visits Kyiv with focus on defense ties European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has arrived in Kyiv for her 11th visit to Ukraine since Russia launched its full-scale invasion.
Von der Leyen said she would unveil new initiatives to bring the European and Ukrainian defence industries closer together and accelerate production. "It's a special moment," she wrote on X after arriving in the Ukrainian capital. "Ukraine has built a strong military momentum. The tide is turning." "I will announce new initiatives to integrate our defense industries.
So we can produce more, and faster," she said. "We will also discuss accession and preparations for this winter." The EU is advancing accession negotiations with Kyiv, although Ukraine is not expected to complete the process before the next decade. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is also due to present von der Leyen with the Order of Europe.
Her spokeswoman said the award recognizes "outstanding personal merit in helping Ukraine defend its independence and the security of all of Europe."
The BriefWire