The European Union meets in kyiv, amid Russian offensive

Representatives of the member countries of the European Union arrived in kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, to hold a summit in the territory host of a Russian offensive.

The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, arrived in kyiv on Thursday accompanied by the head of European diplomacy, Josep Borrell, and some 15 European commissioners.

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Von der Leyen assured in kyiv that he is working on new sanctions against Russia for February 24, the first anniversary of the invasion. He did not provide details of the plans for that 10th sanctions package, but said that Moscow must “pay for the destruction it has caused.”

This summit is an opportunity for Volodimir Zelenski, who hoped to start talks this year about joining the European Union, a step that would make him stronger in the face of the Russian threat.

“Every step towards Ukraine’s further integration into the EU is a source of inspiration for our people,” he said, adding that international pressure on Russia must increase.

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Charles Michel, the President of the European Council, vowed to “support” Ukraine in its aspiration to join the European Union “We will support you (…) at every stage of your journey towards the EU,” Michel wrote in a tweet accompanied by a photo showing him in the center of kyiv, shortly before the start of the Ukraine-EU summit in kyiv.