European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reiterated her unwavering support for Ukraine in a video message on X (formerly Twitter) on the occasion of Ukraine's Independence Day (24 August), the country's national holiday.
In a video message on Saturday, President von der Leyen reassured viewers that the European Union – a steadfast ally since Ukraine's nascent stages of independence – would stand by the country "for as long as it takes."
"Your freedom is our freedom. Your security is our security," declared the EU leader. "You are now moving at an incredible pace to join the European Union," she observed, further underscoring ongoing accession talks between Ukraine and the EU which began last June.
Europe will always be at Ukraine’s side, because Ukraine is Europe.
Your freedom is our freedom. Your security is our security. We've been standing with you since day one. And we'll continue to do so, for as long as it takes. I'm wishing our friends a proud Independence Day. pic.twitter.com/scAPsxL8fv — Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) August 24, 2024
Ukraine officially became a candidate for EU membership in June 2022, in the aftermath of Russia's invasion four months prior in February.
"Europe will always stand with Ukraine, because Ukraine is Europe," von der Leyen concluded.
