President von der Leyen and President Costa travel to Kyiv on the 4th anniversary of the invasion

The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, travelled to Kyiv on 23 February together with the President of the European Council, António Costa, on the eve of the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Despite its limited territorial gains and enormous losses, Russia continues to wage its illegal and unprovoked war, which is causing so much suffering to innocent civilians.

As winter bites hardest in the country, Russia is once again attempting to subdue Ukraine through the cold, systematically attacking energy infrastructure and leaving millions of people without light or heating. Now more than ever, Europe stands with Ukraine, and this visit will also highlight our broad support for our brave partner and neighbour.

The EU’s support for Ukraine has been steadfast. Since the Russian invasion in 2022, Europe has allocated €194.9 billion in aid to Ukraine, including €70 billion for its army. In addition, the €90 billion loan proposed by the Commission and based on the agreement reached by the European Council will ensure continued financial support to Ukraine in 2026 and 2027. In addition, Ukraine’s defence is a pillar of the Commission’s flagship defence instrument, the Security Action for Europe (SAFE), which has a budget of €150 billion. Most of the 19 Member States participating in this initiative have included joint projects with Ukraine in their defence plans.

Ukraine has received almost €3 billion from the EU for energy security purposes. Ahead of this winter, the Commission mobilised more than €900 million for emergency gas purchases in Ukraine, and the EU’s electricity export capacity to Ukraine is currently at maximum level. The EU has also provided more than 157,000 tonnes of aid to date, including 1,000 generators over the last month.

President von der Leyen and President Costa will participate in the official ceremony tomorrow marking four years of war. They will also visit an energy infrastructure site damaged by Russian missile strikes. The two presidents will then meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The leaders will also attend a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing, to be held in Kyiv. The meeting will reaffirm the commitment of the 35 participating countries to support Ukraine in achieving a lasting and robust peace, thereby ensuring the security of both Ukraine and Europe.

European Commissioner for Energy and Housing Dan Jørgensen will travel with President von der Leyen to Kyiv. Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius and Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos will also travel to Kyiv next week.

For more information: European Commission