Zelenskyy, von der Leyen discuss energy aid, sanctions, peace efforts

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held talks with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on energy assistance for Ukraine, upcoming sanctions against Russia, and broader diplomatic efforts, both leaders said in statements published on X.

According to Zelenskyy, the European Union will soon deliver additional shipments of generators and other energy equipment to support Ukraine’s energy system, which has been repeatedly targeted during the war. He thanked the EU for its continued assistance and said von der Leyen also briefed him on the finalisation of the bloc’s 20th sanctions package against Russia, Caliber.Az reports. 

Zelenskyy noted that the effects of existing sanctions are already visible in the Russian economy and said further pressure could follow if measures are implemented effectively.

He added that the two sides also discussed diplomatic initiatives, security guarantees for Ukraine, and plans for post-war recovery, agreeing to closer coordination between their teams.

I spoke with European Commission President Ursula @vonderLeyen about energy support for Ukraine. The European Union is helping us a lot and more shipments of generators and other energy equipment will arrive shortly. Thank you!

Ursula also briefed me on the finalization of the… pic.twitter.com/6Khvex08m0

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) February 2, 2026

In her own statement, von der Leyen said the conversation took place ahead of a new round of peace talks. She accused Russia of continuing to commit war crimes and of targeting civilian infrastructure and homes as the conflict approaches its fourth year.

Von der Leyen reiterated that Europe’s support for Ukraine remains “unwavering,” highlighting ongoing deliveries of hundreds of generators, a proposed €90 billion loan package for the next two years, and efforts to develop a unified economic and prosperity framework with Ukraine and the United States.

I spoke with President @ZelenskyyUa this afternoon, ahead of this week’s peace talks.

As we approach the fourth year of the brutal war against Ukraine, Russia continues to double down on war crimes, striking civilian infrastructure and homes.

Day after day, year after year,…

— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) February 2, 2026

She confirmed that the European Commission will soon present its 20th package of sanctions against Russia, describing the measures as part of an effort to increase pressure on Moscow to engage in peace negotiations with genuine intent.

By Sabina Mammadli