Abdelrahman
Ursula von der Leyen’s ninth trip to Kyiv since the onset of the full-scale invasion is taking place as the United States seeks to engage in direct negotiations to end the conflict with Russia.
ADVERTISEMENTArriving in Kyiv via train on Monday morning, von der Leyen commemorated the third anniversary of Russia’s war against Ukraine. This visit also coincides with Donald Trump’s renewed push for negotiations, which has unsettled European allies and raised concerns that a hasty agreement could leave Europe at risk of Russian aggression.
As part of her visit, the president of the European Commission is anticipated to announce a substantial €3.5 billion aid package aimed at bolstering Ukraine’s precarious financial situation and facilitating the acquisition of military supplies from local manufacturers.
This €3.5 billion funding is part of a larger €50 billion support framework established by the European Union at the beginning of 2024, known as “the Ukraine Facility.”
While Brussels has successfully addressed Ukraine’s financial needs for the upcoming year, uncertainty remains regarding the supply of weapons beyond the summer months.
“It is crucial that we expedite the delivery of arms and ammunition, as this will be central to our efforts in the weeks ahead,” von der Leyen stated to multiple media outlets, including Euronews, en route to Kyiv.
“We are committed to supporting a free and sovereign Ukraine in its journey towards European Union membership.”
Additionally, von der Leyen plans to introduce an initiative aimed at integrating Ukraine and Moldova into the European Union’s electricity grid by year-end.
She is accompanied by fellow European Commissioners, who are set to engage in discussions with Ukrainian officials to strengthen bilateral relations.
Other Western leaders, including European Council President António Costa, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, are also in Kyiv to commemorate this solemn anniversary. They are scheduled to meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to reaffirm their ongoing solidarity and support.
This marks von der Leyen’s ninth visit to Ukraine since the escalation of the invasion, yet the context has shifted dramatically compared to her previous trips.
European capitals are closely monitoring Trump’s attempts to initiate a peace dialogue between Ukraine and Russia, which has disrupted three years of coordinated transatlantic policy.
Unsettlement has arisen following Trump’s critical remarks directed at Zelenskyy, referring to him as a “dictator without elections” and attributing the invasion to Ukraine rather than Russia. These statements, which echoed the Kremlin’s narrative, sparked outrage across Europe and raised serious concerns about Trump’s capacity or willingness to facilitate peace talks.
Despite facing backlash, Trump has shown little inclination to soften his stance.
“I’ve observed this man (Zelenskyy) for years as his cities become ruins and his people suffer tremendous losses,” Trump lamented in a recent interview. “He has been negotiating without leverage. It’s exhausting, and I’ve reached my limit.”
Zelenskyy subsequently expressed his willingness to step aside as president if it would facilitate peace and secure NATO membership for Ukraine. “My priority is Ukraine’s security today, not 20 years from now. I do not aspire to remain in power indefinitely,” he stated at a press conference.
ADVERTISEMENTSince Trump’s uncoordinated 90-minute phone conversation with Vladimir Putin on February 12, Brussels has been striving to navigate the rapidly evolving situation while safeguarding its interests.
The prior week witnessed a surge in diplomatic activity as European leaders convened to reinforce their collective stance and ensure political cohesion. Additional discussions are planned, with Macron set to meet Trump in Washington, and Costa organizing an emergency summit of all 27 EU leaders on March 6.
At this upcoming summit, von der Leyen aims to unveil a “comprehensive plan” designed to enhance military production and defense capabilities across Europe, which could also provide additional resources to Ukraine in its struggle against Russian forces.
It remains uncertain whether this initiative will persuade the White House to include Europe in the negotiation discussions. Although Europe views its long-term security as closely tied to Ukraine’s stability, it has thus far been excluded from peace talks.
ADVERTISEMENTUS Secretary of State Marco Rubio has attempted to reassure democratic allies by keeping them informed about his communications with Russia, asserting that these discussions do not signify a significant shift in US foreign policy. Rubio emphasized that European leaders will be invited to participate when the time arises to consider lifting sanctions against the Kremlin.
On her journey to Kyiv, von der Leyen emphasized the need for increased sanctions against Russia. “We will escalate punitive measures unless there is genuine evidence of Russia’s commitment to a lasting peace agreement,” she asserted.
“A free and sovereign Ukraine is a matter of global importance.”
