The President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen visits Ukraine to celebrate Europe Day

On Europe Day, May 9, 2023, the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen came to Kyiv to celebrate Europe Day.

She posted a photo of her arrival at the train station and wrote: “Good to be back in Kyiv. Where the values we hold dear are defended everyday. So it is such a fitting place to celebrate the day of Europe. I welcome President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s decision to make 9 May Europe Day also here in Ukraine”.

Ursula von der Leyen and President Zelenskyy discussed Ukraine’s progress on its EU path. In addition, the President of the European Commission emphasized the EU’s support for Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression.

“We continue to do everything in our power to erode Putin’s war machine and his revenues. European Commission proposed an 11th package of sanctions”, she stated.

Ursula von der Leyen met with the Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal to discuss Ukraine’s post-war recovery, Ukrainian grain exports, and Ukraine’s progress in the EU accession process.

“Ukraine is at the forefront of defending everything we Europeans hold dear – our freedom, democracy, freedom of thought and speech. The courage of the Ukrainian people in their fight for European ideals is truly inspiring. Together, we will continue to defend these values and build a brighter future for all citizens in Ukraine, Europe and beyond”, President of the European Commission stated.