European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she intends to support Ukraine through increased arms production and provision while in Kyiv for the war's third anniversary on Monday.
"A free and sovereign Ukraine is in the interest of the rest of the world," said von der Leyen, just hours before a planned meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv on Monday.
With Ukraine's 2025 budget deficit now covered, von der Leyen emphasised the urgency of boosting military aid.
"We must immediately accelerate the delivery of weapons and ammunition," she stated, adding that she will soon present a plan to speed up arms production and defence capacity within the EU, benefiting Ukraine as well.
Von der Leyen also announced additional measures to enhance the energy security of both the EU and Ukraine. She said the goal is to fully integrate the Ukrainian and Moldovan energy markets with the EU's grid by the end of next year.
'Decisive moment'
Leaders from 13 countries are gathering in Kyiv on Monday to reaffirm their support for Ukraine on the third anniversary of the Russian invasion, as a shift in US policy has altered the dynamics of the conflict.
European Council President António Costa announced a special summit set for 6 March, noting, "We are at a decisive moment for Ukrainian and European security."
