Von der Leyen arrives in Kyiv, unveils new military initiative for Ukraine

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Wednesday she had arrived in Kyiv, announcing a new initiative to integrate the defence industries of the European Union and Ukraine. “Just arrived in Kyiv for my 11th visit to Ukraine during the war… I will announce a new initiative to integrate our defence industries. This way, we can produce more, and faster,” she said on X. The agenda for talks also includes Ukraine’s accession to the EU and preparations for the winter, she said. Russia has repeatedly stated that arms supplies to Ukraine hinder a peaceful resolution and make NATO allies direct participants in the armed conflict. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said any shipment containing weapons for Ukraine would be a legitimate target for Russia.