EU’s von der Leyen to visit Kyiv for invasion anniversary, spokesperson says

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will travel to Kyiv at the invitation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to mark the anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, according to the bloc’s chief spokesperson.

Paula Pinho, chief spokesperson for the European Commission, confirmed that von der Leyen had accepted the invitation following recent discussions with Zelenskyy, signalling continued European Union backing for Ukraine as the war enters its fourth year, Caliber.Az reports per Ukrainian media.

"Yesterday, President von der Leyen spoke to President Zelenskyy, as they regularly do…President von der Leyen accepted an invitation to be in Ukraine to mark the four years of the beginning of the Russians' full-scale invasion of Ukraine. It will be a renewed and reiterated sign of the solidarity of the European Union with Ukraine and of our determination and unity in the face of Russia's continued aggression."

Pinho did not disclose the exact timing of the visit, noting that logistical arrangements are still being finalised.

"We are discussing the details and will share them with you when we have more information about this visit," she added.

The planned trip comes as the EU steps up diplomatic and political coordination with Kyiv ahead of the anniversary of Russia’s February 2022 invasion. Previously, it was reported that a delegation of European commissioners, including EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, is expected to arrive in Kyiv later this month.

Separately, the European Commission is preparing to present proposals for the EU’s 20th package of sanctions against Russia. The bloc aims to approve the new measures on February 24 to coincide with the anniversary of the invasion.

Von der Leyen has also convened a meeting of European commissioners scheduled for February 4, seeking to ease internal tensions and strengthen coordination within her leadership team.