Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, has arrived in Kyiv for her eighth visit since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion. This visit comes as Ukraine prepares for the upcoming winter season, with energy infrastructure being a key concern.
Von der Leyen's agenda includes discussions on Europe's support, winter preparedness, defense, and progress on G7 loans. The timing of her visit is crucial, as Ukraine faces the challenge of maintaining power supply during the cold months ahead.
"My 8th visit to Kyiv comes as the heating season starts soon, and Russia keeps targeting energy infrastructure."
The European Commission President highlighted the significant damage to Ukraine's energy infrastructure, noting that approximately 9 gigawatts of capacity have been knocked out by Russian attacks. To put this in perspective, this is equivalent to the combined power generation of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.
In response to these challenges, the EU has outlined plans to support Ukraine's energy needs. Von der Leyen announced that 160 million euros from frozen Russian assets would be allocated to address Ukraine's urgent humanitarian needs for the upcoming winter. Additionally, the EU aims to restore 2.5 GW of power generating capacity and increase exports to supply 2 GW of electricity to Ukraine.
This visit underscores the EU's ongoing commitment to supporting Ukraine. Since the start of the war, the European Union has provided over 50 billion euros in aid to the country. The EU has also granted Ukraine candidate status for membership, a process that began with Ukraine's application in February 2022.
During her stay, Von der Leyen is scheduled to meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and other Ukrainian officials. These discussions are likely to cover a range of topics, including Ukraine's progress towards EU membership and the implementation of various support initiatives.
The EU's support extends beyond financial aid. The European Peace Facility has allocated over 3.6 billion euros for military assistance to Ukraine, demonstrating the bloc's multifaceted approach to supporting the country's defense efforts.
As winter approaches, with temperatures potentially dropping to -20°C in some regions, the focus on energy infrastructure and winter preparedness is critical. The EU's efforts to restore power generation and increase electricity supply will play a vital role in helping Ukraine navigate the challenging months ahead.
This visit by Von der Leyen reaffirms the EU's solidarity with Ukraine and its commitment to supporting the country's resilience in the face of ongoing Russian aggression. As the war continues, the international community's support remains crucial for Ukraine's stability and recovery.