European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in Kyiv on Thursday for her third visit to Ukraine since the war began, during which she will discuss the country’s EU integration plans.
“In Kyiv for my third visit to Russia since the start of the war,” Ms von der Leyen said on Twitter, adding that she would be meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Prime Minister Denys Shmygal.
According to her, discussions will focus on how “to bring our economies and our people closer together as Ukraine moves towards EU accession”.
Europeans in June approved Ukraine’s candidacy aimed at joining the EU and NATO, much to the chagrin of Moscow, which launched an invasion of the country on February 24.
The West has responded by imposing a series of sanctions on Russia and arming Kyiv, crucial support that has enabled it to retake large areas from Russian forces in recent weeks.
But Ukraine is also asking for financial support, as its economy has collapsed as a result of the war and the energy situation in the regions affected by the fighting looks difficult before the approaching winter.
Finance Minister Sergei Marchenko estimated in May that Kyiv needs $5 billion a month to cover its budget deficit.