EU to strengthen defence support for Ukraine as war enters third year

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen has called for stronger support for Ukraine and pledged new initiatives as the country marks the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion.

"A free and sovereign Ukraine is in the world’s interest", von der Leyen said ahead of a meeting with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv. She emphasised the urgent need to accelerate military aid and is expected to announce plans to boost EU arms production, which would benefit Ukraine.

Von der Leyen also revealed additional measures to strengthen energy security, aiming to fully integrate Ukraine and Moldova into the EU’s power grid by the end of 2026.

Three years

Von der Leyen’s visit to Kyiv, her ninth since the full-scale invasion began three years ago, underscores the EU’s commitment to Ukraine. Accompanied by European officials, she will meet Ukrainian ministers to reinforce ties.

Other Western leaders, including Antonio Costa, Spanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez, and Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau, are also in Kyiv to reaffirm their support for Ukraine on this anniversary.

^{Belgium’s minister of foreign affairs, European affairs and development cooperation Maxime Prévot delivers a message on X as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine enters its third year}

Emergency summit

EU leaders will convene again on 6 March for an emergency summit to discuss European security and defence funding. European Council president Antonio Costa highlighted the critical nature of the moment, as the US shifts its focus away from Ukraine.

Washington’s new stance has alarmed European allies. President Donald Trump opened talks with Russia on ending the war but did not involve Ukraine or the EU. This has intensified discussions on Europe’s need to increase its own defence investments. 

^{Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky and president of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen walk after their talks in Kyiv in 2023 © Sergei SUPINSKY / AFP}