Von der Leyen arrives in Kyiv; announces new defence industry integration initiatives

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in Kyiv on Wednesday, 15 July, marking her 11th visit to the Ukrainian capital since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion.

In a post on X, von der Leyen noted that Ukraine has built “strong military momentum” and that “the tide is turning.” During her stay in Kyiv, she plans to announce new initiatives to integrate the defence industries of Ukraine and the EU, enabling them to produce more and faster. The discussions will also cover Ukraine’s accession process and preparations for the upcoming winter.

Before her visit, von der Leyen attended France’s national day celebrations in Paris on 14 July. On 13 July, she participated in meetings of the Coalition of the Willing and the Integrated Anti-Ballistic Missile Coalition, both of which involved Ukraine.